Hello, listeners! Come and check out Brenda's inspirational educational journey as a first-generation college student. Overcoming challenges in high school, she discovered her true potential in the welcoming environment of her local community college. By utilizing the support of the Puente Program, Brenda not only excelled academically but also found her purpose as a peer advisor on campus. In her student leadership role, she formed meaningful connections with other students, transfer representatives, and counselors. Her commitment and desire to explore led her to choose UC Santa Barbara as her ultimate destination, where she successfully transferred and graduated. Her story embodies the spirit of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of following your educational dreams.

Join us for a deeply moving and inspirational journey in our First Gen Interview Series, where Steve, a first-generation college graduate, found his calling as an educator. Starting in Syracuse and navigating a return to a California Community College, he shares how a history teacher inspired his passion for teaching, and his cross country coach instilled in him the mantra to take things to the “next level." Steve highlights the pivotal role his counselor and coach played in his journey to transfer to UC Berkeley and compete at a Division 1 institution. Ultimately, he graduated from the Stanford Teacher Education Program, and his story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, education, and determination, offering profound insights for listeners of all backgrounds.