I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. My parents were migrants that moved here from Lamesa, Texas before I was born. They wanted a better life for them and their children. I attended South San and graduated in the top ten percent of my class, but started working right out of college for the Vice Chancellor of the Alamo Colleges as a Receptionist to support my mom and dad who are disabled. My coworkers eventually motivated me to try working and going to college at the same time.
How did this impact your decision to pursue a career in education?
I chose to pursue a career in education because education has had a huge impact on my life. College has always been something I've looked forward to. As a college advisor I'm able to inspire students every day and make a difference in my community. I like to help students discover their potential and watching them walk the stage always gives me goosebumps!
What made you choose PAC to start your undergraduate studies?
Nobody in my family had attempted to attend college before. When I was very small my mother brought me to the college and gave me a walk-thru during PAChanga. We went to the library and after that, I was hooked and would always come back to read. During high school, I was contacted by a PAC Recruiter and knew it was my first pick because it is affordable, close to home and has a large variety of degree and certificate programs. I've received 2 degrees and 6 certificates from the PAC!
What challenges did you encounter in your college career?
The main challenges I encountered while attending college was working full-time while trying to attend college and transportation. It was expensive traveling from my job to school every day, but well worth it!
What memory stands out the most from your experience at PAC?
The one memory that stands out the most from my experience at PAC is when I attended night classes. The instructors were very caring and taught me a lot!
What university did you transfer to and why?
The university I transferred to was Texas A&M University - San Antonio for my Bachelor's in Human Relations and my Master's in Counseling. This school is down the street from where I live, the courses are not expensive and the instructors are great teachers! When I received this education I was able to work at PAC and become a college advisor which was my first goal.
What are you most proud of since graduating from PAC?
I'm most proud of being able to say I graduated from Palo Alto College and also say I advise students here at Palo Alto College. My first goal was to obtain a certificate, but I'm proud to stay I went way past that. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I was going to graduate from college.
What are your career goals?
I'm currently attending Capella University online and will be graduating in the fall of 2016 with my Doctorate's in Educational Leadership. My ultimate goal is to become a dean or even a college president. I'm currently working with the Puente Program which is a revolutionary solution to the urgent need for improved student success in higher education, especially among minority, low income and first generation students. This program was created in California with outstanding student outcomes and I hope that the student outcomes here are as great!
Are there any words of advice you share with your students, that you wish someone would have told you when you were in college?
Come by the Welcome Center and ask for me if you feel like you want to drop out of college or feel like you might fail a class. You don't want to lose your financial aid and you especially do not want to drop out of college! Go Palominos!
Palo Alto College unveiled a permanent art installation on behalf of the Alamo Colleges on July 11 in the newly renovated Ozuna Library and Academic Center. The painted mural represents the bond between San Antonio and its sister cities in Mexico - Guadalajara and Monterrey. 
