- Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Majors: Psychology and German
- Minor: Cognitive Science
- Organizations & Activities: I am the current president of 1Gen, a student-run organization that supports first-generation students. Around campus, I am an admissions tour guide, I participate in psychology research, I have a KRLX show every term, and I play varsity volleyball.
- More about me: A fun fact about me is that I really like woodworking. Some of my hobbies include playing racquetball, drawing, reading, and playing card games with my friends!
What made you decide to attend Carleton?
Honestly, it was a tough decision. Moving far away from my friends and family wasn’t the easiest thing to do as a first-generation student. However, Carleton had everything that I was looking for in a college: walkable, great location, actual seasons (instead of just the desert heat), a great academic reputation, and wonderful people. As cheesy as it sounds, I think the community sealed the deal for me. The people here are so welcoming and helpful, and I could tell from day one that this was a place I could see myself at for the next four years.
What is your advice for incoming first-gen Carls?
Do your research: Carleton has so many resources for you online! Also, I would recommend reading all the campus announcements and signing up for email lists, even if you only have a teeny tiny bit of interest. I’ve been able to take advantage of MANY (free) cool experiences and met some of the best people I otherwise wouldn’t have because I stayed informed and checked my email. Lastly, go to office hours, go to office hours, GO TO OFFICE HOURS and ask questions. These are literally some of the best professors in the entire country, so use them.
What does it mean for you to be the first in your family to attend college?
For me, this means showing my parents that their efforts weren’t wasted. They sacrificed so much for me to be able to come to a seemingly random, though amazing, college in the Midwest, and were endlessly supportive of me (only after a bit of convincing that it was ok for me to leave Vegas haha). Going to college is also something my grandparents — who emigrated to the US from the Philippines — wanted for me, and it is extremely fulfilling to do something that makes them proud.
For myself, it demonstrates the resilience and diligence I have learned from everyone around me. I couldn’t have done this by myself, and finishing my degree will be a reflection of the collective effort it took to get me to that point. Being the first in my family to have the opportunity to go to college and get an education is such a privilege, and I am so grateful to my family for giving me this chance.