She began as a home economics teacher and eventually worked her way into admin and became a principal. Even further, she began teaching at Chapman University to end off her career! She is so incredibly hard-working and I always aspired to be someone like her!”

Everyone around me seemed to know exactly where they wanted to go and what they wanted to major in except for me. Instead of just applying (knowing I probably wouldn’t have even gotten in at the time), I decided to go to community college. Attending West Valley was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It wasn’t that I was a bad student in high school, I just didn’t seem to have the drive because I had no idea what I wanted to do. When I got to WVC, I felt like the possibilities were endless. I could take classes that interested me, make my own schedule, and meet new people. By the end of the first semester, I knew what I wanted my future to look like. I always loved English class, and when I thought about what I could see myself doing in the future, it was trying to get students like me to feel interested in reading and writing. I made a plan and was able to transfer from West Valley to UC Santa Barbara in two years and majored in English. I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

She did not go to college and always dreamed of something better for my life, so she pushed me to know the importance of higher education, which will ultimately open more doors of opportunity in my future. So, being the first one in my family to attend college and earn 2 degrees (a Bachelor’s of Science and a Master of Education), I am proud to encourage students who also might be a 1st generation college student.”

It used to be ‘known’ that if you got called into the Counselor’s Office it was because you were in trouble (this is not true today). I was an average High School student, but I really struggled a lot with Math during the entirety of my education. I also didn’t know anything about college, what to do to prepare, how to apply, what future career pathways exist, etc. I didn’t have anyone at school I could turn to for support as I navigated the challenges I faced or the questions I struggled to find answers to. So, fast forward to adult-me, after I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, I knew that I wanted to work in education and help students who struggle in high school, but I didn’t quite know what that career would be. I did some research, and I learned about a graduate program for School Counseling. I absolutely fell in love with the idea of being able to be the person to support and guide students through their educational journey. I feel compassion towards students who struggle in high school for various reasons, as well as the students who need help searching for resources and information for their future goals. I made it my goal to be the School Counselor that I never had; to guide students in High School while making a positive impact in their lives. I really do beleive that because of the care, guidance, and encouragement that my mom gave me, helped shape me to be the woman, mother, and School Counselor that I am today.”