- Hometown: I currently live in Houston, TX, but I was raised in Long Island, New York.
- Major: Sociology/Anthropology
- Minor: Biochemistry
- Organizations & Activities: At Carleton I’m involved in many organizations in which I can express my roots and build a community full of support. I am a POSSE Scholar and Co-Chair of LASO, I help lead cultural events that celebrate and uplift the Hispanic community while promoting equity on campus. I also conduct microbiology research through the SpaceHogs Lab, studying deep-sea microbes. Beyond the classroom, I’ve participated in a clinical exploration program at the Mayo Clinic and completed a mental health externship with Change Inc. I stay connected to my campus community through groups like 1Gen, FOCUS, CUBE, MOC+, OIL, the GSC, and KRLX Radio.
- More about me: Outside the classroom, you can find me wearing my blue headphones while exploring the Arb, working at Hogan Brothers, or hanging out with my friends. One of my favorite hobbies is cooking and baking, especially making home-cooked meals that remind us of the ones we don’t always get to enjoy while on campus.
What made you decide to attend Carleton?
I’m grateful to have been awarded the POSSE full-tuition scholarship to attend Carleton College. I chose Carleton because it offers both a rigorous academic environment and a close-knit community where I felt I could truly grow. I appreciated the small class sizes and the chance to build meaningful relationships with both peers and professors. What stood out most was Carleton’s strong network of support services, which helped make the transition from high school to college much smoother as a first-generation student. I felt confident that I could succeed here, especially knowing I’d have my POSSE alongside me.
What is your advice for incoming first-gen Carls?
My biggest advice is to remind yourself that you belong here just as much as anyone else, never let imposter syndrome convince you otherwise. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; there are so many resources and people on campus who genuinely want to see you succeed. Build your support system early, whether that’s through student orgs, professors, mentors, or friends who understand your journey. Give yourself grace as you adjust, and celebrate even the small wins along the way. Most importantly, take pride in your identity, it’s a strength, not a setback.
What does it mean for you to be the first in your family to attend college?
I take immense pride in being the first in my family to attend college. My parents made incredible sacrifices, leaving behind the home they loved and everything familiar to start over in a country full of uncertainty. They stepped into the unknown so that I could have the opportunities they dreamed of but never had. Every step I take in my education is built on their courage and resilience. My accomplishments are not mine alone, they are a reflection of their hard work and unwavering belief in me. I carry their sacrifices with me in everything I do.
As a first-gen student, I’m not only working toward a degree, I’m striving to become one of the Latinos in medicine who uplifts and represents our community in spaces where we’ve historically been underrepresented. In doing so, I also hope to pave the way for other first-gen and Latinx students to see themselves in spaces they may have never imagined possible.