Saint Mary’s Celebrates Our First-Gen Students
To honor the First-Generation College Celebration, we asked some of our first-gen students how they’ve used their strengths and support systems to navigate college and reach their goals. Meet Sociology major Yolanda Ochoa ’23, Psychology and Sociology double major Ashley Hernandez ’23, and Business Administration major Daniela Zavala ’24—a dedicated group of first-generation students with strong leadership skills, and the drive to succeed at Saint Mary’s and beyond.
“I have always been taught that education is the most important thing; it is the one thing that can never be taken away from you,” said Ochoa. “My entire life, I have always planned on attending college and just thought that is what everyone did. It wasn’t until it was actually time to apply and attend that I really put thought into the fact that I am a first-gen student.”
Ochoa described how she struggled to navigate college applications as a first-generation college student, from submitting the FAFSA to taking the SAT. “I can imagine how hard it is for anyone to apply [to college], but it does not help when your parents have no idea what any of this stuff is, either. Despite them not knowing how to fill out all those forms or what certain things were, they always supported and encouraged me.”
“Once I got through all that, I found myself here, at SMC. I strongly believe the High Potential Program is the reason for my success here at SMC. The HP Program is a huge part of my own personal discovery and newfound confidence. I realize I went through hardships to get here (and still face some), but HP gives me a space and community where I truly feel accepted and reassured,” said Ochoa.
A Community of Support
Saint Mary’s High Potential Program/TRIO Student Support Services provides resources and programming for first-generation and low-income students at the College, such as the Summer Academic Institute for Leaders and Scholars (SAILS) and the Peer Mentor Program.
Hernandez shared that she has encountered struggles as a first-generation college student, but the HP Program helped her find a community of students with similar experiences. “I have been extremely blessed to have many support systems in my life, such as my friends, family, and the High Potential Program. Through my support systems, I have learned the values of hard work, resiliency, and passion. Being first-gen comes with a lot of additional stressors and challenges that other students may not come across. Having a community like the High Potential Program allowed me to feel validated throughout my academic career.”
Like many students who participate in the High Potential Program as an incoming first-year student, Hernandez discovered her leadership skills and decided to become an HP Peer Mentor. “With all the support I have been given in my life, I knew I wanted to reciprocate that back to my community. Thus, I became a Peer Mentor for the HP Program to help guide and support first-year and transfer students at Saint Mary’s. Making students feel heard, validated, and highlighting their strengths is key in my role.”
Amidst the stress of being a first-gen student, Hernandez said, "having a community like the High Potential Program allowed me to feel validated throughout my academic career.”
Hernandez’s passion for helping others, paired with the leadership skills she’s gained through High Potential, shaped her career goal of becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist. “I will be forever thankful for my experience as a first-generation college student, as it has and will continue to shape the rest of my life.”
No One Is Alone
Zavala also credits the HP Program for helping her discover her strengths. “I have been able to navigate through college as a first-generation student by utilizing my organizational and professional skills in order to be the best I can be. My [HP success] coaches and mentors have helped guide me throughout this process by giving me advice on how to be successful. As I move forward, I hope that my growth will navigate me in order to make good use of my education to reach my end goal.”
As first-generation college students, Ochoa, Hernandez, and Zavala understand that the higher education journey isn’t always easy. “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game,” shared Ochoa. “Growing up, I was always involved in figure skating and dance. At times, that could get stressful and be really nerve-wracking. My mom would always remind me of this quote and encourage me to always keep trying, but at the same time, it was OK to mess up. This quote has stuck with me for as long as I can remember, and it is something that did start for me from performances and sports, but now I carry and apply it into my education and daily life.”
Ochoa wants other first-gen students to know they are not alone in their experiences and already have what it takes to succeed. “Be kind to yourself! I know imposter syndrome is a real thing, but you belong here. You may make mistakes, have an off day, or even feel like everything is stacked up against you, but it is not. You might not have a path set up before you, but you can make your own. Never be ashamed or embarrassed of who you are; it might be a struggle, but it is a beautiful one. We are all in this together, and we will succeed.”
Learn more about the High Potential Program.
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Annaliese Martinez was the Staff Writer for the Office of Marketing and Communications.