Torres High School graduate Diego shares how LAEP helped pave his journey to college.
As a first-generation college student in my first year at Cal State Dominguez Hills, I can honestly say that I would never have taken the leap of faith to pursue higher education if it were not for the team at LA Education Partnership. I saw college as unobtainable and thought I would only be able to go as far as community college because that was all I saw or knew growing up.
My mom and sister went to community college, but didn’t get further, and my goal in life was to follow in their footsteps. When I entered high school, you can only imagine my shock when finding out there were so many more options: UCs and private universities that could help me reach for higher education and earn a bachelor’s degree. The thought of it scared me, but I knew it was a goal I wanted.
When LAEP came into my Torres High School advisory and provided workshops on different pathways, I immediately asked for help, and they guided me on options, next steps, and opportunities. I was able to utilize their expertise for two years.
I have had my share of fears, lack of knowledge, and questions – I was always afraid to ask questions as an underclassman, but the LAEP team supported me through it all. Through Celeste, Evelyn, and Kevin, I have been able to experience new learning and opportunities that have developed me as a person. I have grown as a leader through activities led by the LAEP team, like Mock Interviews, The Toro Way Mentorship Program, and the many different College and Career workshops provided.
LAEP taught me what steps I needed to take to apply to college, how to apply to scholarships and take advantage of my resources to control my future. LAEP not only supported me and empowered me in my future planning, but also hundreds of my peers that received the same kind of support. They offer a unique perspective, being people who look like me and have gone through similar life experiences and can create a safe space for students. They approached me in an authentic and caring way; we don’t see them as school staff/teachers, but mentors we can trust.
What I’ve learned about myself, thanks to the support around me, is that I am capable of so much more. Surrounding myself in a positive environment really has changed the way that I think, carry myself, and how I move towards reaching goals – especially ones I never thought possible. I started believing that I CAN apply to and make it into a four-year university. I also knew that college would get me out of my comfort zone and maybe even inspire younger family members, proving there is more out there that we can accomplish.
LAEP’s community schools team weaves together the experience and resources of staff, students, parents, residents, and organizations to help transform schools into community resource hubs that address systemic inequities and enact liberatory practices. College and career readiness, like the support Emily describes, is one aspect of our community schools work. We are so grateful to work with incredible youth like Emily!