First to go to college:
Seems like such a common term to me now a days, "the first to go to college". But of course the real work and challenge is in living that process. My parents did not complete their education in Mexico and I did not really understand what it meant to be on a college track. However, a couple of things helped. First of all, I enjoy learning and took to school like fish to water as they say. I also had very supportive teachers along the way, starting with 6th grade and all the way to high school. But along the way I did notice I was only one of two Latinos in most of my classes. It would be later that I realized how we were being tracked, especially noticing the same students in the same classes year after year.
Nonetheless, I was not until my senior year of high school that I was made aware of what my options for college would, or even what the expectations were. I recall going into my counselor's office to talk about it but it was not really a conversation. He simply said, "go to the college here". It was a bit underwhelming and by the time graduation came around I decided that I would first go to the nearby community college to figure out what I probably should have been figuring out the last half of high school. I recall during the high school graduation ceremony how I was in the top 5 percent of the graduation class and they read our names and what college we would be attending. My peers were followed by recognized 4 year universitities. There was a lot of clapping in the audience. Then it came my turn (the only Latino in that group) and it was announced "Modesto Junior College". I felt a bit certain the audience was not sure how to respond. Well, suffice it to say, going to junior college was a good experience. I transferred to UC Davis and then went on to attend the University of Michigan for graduate school (School of Natural Resources & Environment). I do not think that my path is quite done yet but I like that at least I'm leaving a path for my siblings to follow as they wish; and for others out there like me. I have the pleasure of talking to current high school students and undergraduates about higher ed options and though it sometimes sounds simple or easy, I know it is anything bu to be "the first in the family to go to college". Especially because it is one matter to get into college, and another to graduate.
Pa delante, siempre pa delante!
Nonetheless, I was not until my senior year of high school that I was made aware of what my options for college would, or even what the expectations were. I recall going into my counselor's office to talk about it but it was not really a conversation. He simply said, "go to the college here". It was a bit underwhelming and by the time graduation came around I decided that I would first go to the nearby community college to figure out what I probably should have been figuring out the last half of high school. I recall during the high school graduation ceremony how I was in the top 5 percent of the graduation class and they read our names and what college we would be attending. My peers were followed by recognized 4 year universitities. There was a lot of clapping in the audience. Then it came my turn (the only Latino in that group) and it was announced "Modesto Junior College". I felt a bit certain the audience was not sure how to respond. Well, suffice it to say, going to junior college was a good experience. I transferred to UC Davis and then went on to attend the University of Michigan for graduate school (School of Natural Resources & Environment). I do not think that my path is quite done yet but I like that at least I'm leaving a path for my siblings to follow as they wish; and for others out there like me. I have the pleasure of talking to current high school students and undergraduates about higher ed options and though it sometimes sounds simple or easy, I know it is anything bu to be "the first in the family to go to college". Especially because it is one matter to get into college, and another to graduate.
Pa delante, siempre pa delante!
