Student Stories
"College is worth it because a door my parents fought their whole lives to reach finally opened for me."
Gavin Li, Pitzer College
Growing up low-income and first-generation in the heart of San Francisco with immigrant parents who could barely pronounce the street they lived on, higher education has always been the dream of my family. My parents have made countless sacrifices, long hours while juggling to raise three kids, so doors that were once closed for them could open for me. Now, as a college student, college is no longer a distant dream. I am carrying out and living my family’s dream every day.
Attending a private institution like Pitzer on a full ride is surreal to say. A small liberal arts college has been life-changing for me personally and academically. It is a pleasure to be able to learn and connect with faculty who are so passionate about what they teach, genuinely care about solving real-world problems, and are committed to working with students like me. I have found my community here, a place where I feel a sense of belonging and support. I am so excited for what my Pitzer journey will bring in the coming years. Breaking my family’s generations of not achieving higher education means so much to me.
"College is worth it because it provided me with access to an enriching environment for me to learn and grow, both personally and professionally."
Kaitlan Sakuma, Pitzer College
Attending Pitzer College, a small liberal arts institution, has been one of the most transformative experiences in both my academic and personal journeys. What makes it transformative isn't just the coursework, but rather it is the intentionality behind it. Teaching feels purposeful, faculty and peers show up for each other, and learning feels supported rather than transactional. I don't just attend my education; I feel genuinely centered within it.
That kind of experience should not be a privilege. It should be a standard. When higher education is accessible, not just technically available, students gain more than a diploma — they build community, develop critical thinking skills, and find their voice as changemakers in the world they’re stepping into. That ripple effect spreads, touching far more than just one student or campus.
"College is worth it because it opens the doors to greater opportunities, better outcomes, and brighter futures."
Gizelle Corvera, Pitzer College
Born and raised in Los Angeles, as a first-generation student, product of the LAUSD public education system, low-income, and child of immigrant parents. I was always told that higher education would provide me with a life that no one in my family has ever been able to attain. Though at the time I didn't think that was true. Throughout my first semester of college, I have had the ability to engage in truly enriching experiences my family would only dream of.
College was a fantasy for so many years, and now one that I live every day. It is a blessing to have the ability to take part in classes that not only speak on issues that plague our communities but also go out to these same communities to change these narratives. As well as having such a strong community that supports its students through the four years and beyond, a first-generation program, and the Latinx Student Union.
Additionally, the switch from large public schooling my whole life to a small private liberal arts college was a big change for me. A switch many first-generation students are scared to make. However, one that has benefited me and can benefit so many other students like me. I have been able to receive one-on-one career opportunities, close connections with faculty/staff, and will be graduating from Pitzer College debt-free. Ultimately, higher education has taught me that it is possible to break generational cycles and to change the narrative for so many of our communities. Thank you to all who have made my family and my dreams possible.
"College is worth it because it provided me with foundational skills needed to build a professional career."
Leslie Martinez, Mount Saint Mary’s University
I am a first generation Mexican-American and was born and raised in Los Angeles by hard working immigrant parents. As I child, I was raised in a low-income household. In pursuit of the American Dream, my father started a small business which allowed us (his children) to afford our passions. At MSMU, I have been introduced to opportunities that have boosted my academic self-confidence. For instance, co-authoring research, lobbying at the California State Capitol, or traveling to conferences. Each one of these experiences has contributed to both my academic growth and overall skill set.
"College is worth it because it helped me realize my potential. I've had a lot of leadership development."
JT Salcedo-Krantz, Mount Saint Mary’s University
I never really wanted to go to college growing up. I'm a first generation college student, so college just wasn't talked about in my household. One day, Mount Saint Mary's University was doing instant interviews and my college counselor invited me to join one. I was a little nervous, but I sat in the interview and I got accepted. I got accepted and I realized, "OK, maybe college is for me," and I thought I would go.
At my university, I'm president of the Student Activities Council. A lot of experiences that I've had is going to conferences. I've done a lot of leadership classes. I'm in a leadership cohort at my school. I never actually knew that I could ever do the things that I've done. And I don't think I ever would have been motivated to go to college had it not been for my university taking a chance on me. I'm hoping that I will apply for my PsyD when I graduate from undergrad. I hope to get my doctorate in clinical psychology or clinical forensic psychology.
"College is worth it because it gave me the chance to turn my passion into a career that will positively impact the world my children grow up in."
Mallorie Lemire, National University
I started at community college at 18, but life had other plans. Health challenges forced me to stop and start. At 27, I was a single mom just trying to survive. Years later, with an amazing partner, four kids, and a passion for healthcare policy reform, I knew I had to finish my degree, but how? As a mom of four, traditional college wasn't possible. National University's flexible, nontraditional path was the only way I could earn my degree while raising my family. Every parent, every nontraditional student, every person with a dream deserves that same opportunity.
"College is worth it because I have the opportunity every day to learn, grow, and take steps toward my future educating others."
Anthony Henry, Chapman University
I am going to be an elementary school teacher and that is what I'm so excited to do. College has given me that opportunity, but also basically everything that I could have ever dreamed of with a college experience, which I never thought I'd get. I have access to resources and opportunities that, if I can think of it, I can actually go and ask someone and find a way to do it. Which is something that college gives me every day. I've got two on campus jobs in my first semester. I'm running for Student Government Association president. I also have a lot of different opportunities with financial aid support. There's wellness programs and basically anything that I get invited to on campus, I do.
"College is worth it because it expands opportunities, builds confidence, and creates pathways for first-generation students like me to grow."
Denise Loaiza, Chapman University
Pursuing higher education has been transformative, giving me access to mentorship, leadership opportunities, and policy engagement experiences I would not have had otherwise. Beyond academics, I’m learning how to think critically, advocate effectively, and navigate spaces that once felt unfamiliar. That’s why protecting and expanding access to higher education is so important, because its impact reaches far beyond one student and strengthens entire communities.
I have multiple opportunities to be engaged in school or like on campus. I joined a pre, law co-ed fraternity, Kappa Alpha Pi. Because I go to private university. Our teacher to student ratio is very small, and I feel like most of my experiences with my professors are really great, that I even get to take part in some other research questioning and hopefully have a research opportunity in the future.
After graduation, I actually want to get my master's degree at Chapman University and then go to law school. Because I want to be an attorney. I'm really interested in criminal law right now. I'm both interested in being a defense attorney. I'm still kind of exploring because I'm just really passionate about it right now. I did start out with being interested in immigration law. Right now I'm taking the time to explore the different types of laws.
"College is worth it because it has expanded my knowledge and helped me develop meaningful connections with my peers."
Leia Fidel, Chapman University
I was really able to engage with the community that I've grown up in and really expand my opportunities for career paths, which made it really worth it for me to go to a private university because of that, engagement with the faculty and other students on campus. I definitely gained confidence in myself. I've been really involved on campus. I've been orientation leader. I've been involved in numerous organizations. That will continue on past my undergraduate at Chapman, which really made me able to engage and network with people. Not just at the university, but also in the greater community, which allows me to further my career desires in the future. I hope to work in human rights or immigration law.