Making it to the University says much for your drive and determination. Be positive with your self image and keep thinking “When I Graduate” NOT “If I Graduate”, saying “When I Graduate” keeps you positive and motivates your mind to achieve the goal. When you stay positive you start doing the things necessary to Graduate. Remember that you will do things that nobody else in your family has done, that is OK, you are going to achieve the goal of Graduating from a University. My Grandfather worked in the fields when he was younger, when I came home one holiday he shook my hands and looked at me very surprised as he said, “Que Paso, tienes manos de una mujer!!” (What happened, you have a woman’s hands!!) He was wondering what was wrong with me and worried about how I would make a living. I confidently told him I was going to be an Engineer, he came to understand over time and even gave me $5. Believe me, it was a major event for my Grandfather to give any of his 50 grandchildren money.

Being an EOP student was a major contributor to my success, I was accepted to UCSB in 1981 through EOP. I had to leave a large family in Sacramento and it was a great feeling to be able to join the EOP family when I came to UCSB. During the Transition program in the summer I met many students who felt just as I did, lost and lonely, and we became close friends. These friendships have lasted throughout the years. EOP also offered counseling and tutoring to help you succeed. The investment EOP made in me is what continues to keep me connected to UCSB.

The highlight was the “experience” of being at UCSB, everybody should take on the challenge, it will change your life. It has been 14 years since I completed my studies at UCSB and I look back fondly on that stage in my life. UCSB represents the first time I ventured out on my own, I struggled and accomplished the goal of graduating. Every student has the opportunity to accomplish something that is theirs forever, a college degree. I now have a Bachelors and Masters degree, these are two things that will be with me for the rest of my life, that makes them very special.