I’m a 2023 UCLA graduate, with majors in psychology and sociology and a minor in education studies.

One of my favorite things to do is find new ways to move my body—I love working out, going on walks with my dogs, and yoga.

I like to destress by spending time with myself—sitting in my room with a book or taking a well-deserved nap are two ways I enjoy recharging and restoring myself throughout the day.

I also enjoy crocheting, calligraphy, and doing my own nails.

Growing up in a community where I and many of my peers were the first in their family to get a high school diploma, I knew the path towards pursuing my post-secondary goals would not be easy. I owe a lot of my success not only to my resilience, but to the mentors and support systems that have guided me along the way.

I believe that higher education should be accessible for everyone, regardless of their background, and being a college coach allows me to play a role that was so pivotal in my own successes and to do my part in making this a reality for future generations of students.

For students, a coach can be a friend, someone who can accept and guide you through all you bring to the table, and someone who will empower you. Higher education is hard; having a coach can help you feel that you’re not alone, that there’s someone rooting for you on your journey.

When starting college, I wish someone had told me to let go of any expectations for myself. You might not get the outcomes you anticipated, and that’s okay! Be patient with your process, its hills and valleys, and find ways to grow through all you may face during your journey.

A piece of advice that I wish I’d taken to heart is that It’s okay to slow down. As a first-generation student myself, I felt that success was equivalent to the quantity of my experience—how many orgs I was involved with, how many roles I took on, and how filled my Google calendar was. I definitely wish I had taken more time for myself through all that was going on around me.

The most important thing to bring to your college journey is an open heart and open mind. Things may change, but bringing an open heart and open mind to these changes can make room for your own growth and success as a whole. Be rooted in your passions—what keeps you here and why you keep going despite all the uncertainty these new experiences bring.