College Experience Bolsters Desire to Serve Community

For much of my childhood, I never imagined myself going to college. My earliest understanding of what life could be was shaped by a moment that changed my family forever.

At 8 years old, I cried out for my father as I was pushed to the ground, unable to reach him. His voice cut through the chaos, telling me to stay back as he was grabbed and detained by a group of men. In that moment, the image I had always held of him – strong and unbreakable – shattered. As he was taken away by immigration officers, he left me with the words, “Cuida a tu mamá y a tus hermanos.” Take care of your mother and your siblings. Those words are etched into my memory.

I was left with feelings of abandonment, anger and sadness, but also with a deep sense of responsibility. I made a promise to myself that I would pursue higher education, not only to honor my father’s words, but to access the opportunities my parents never had.

With my father gone, I stepped into a new role within my family. I worked alongside my mom, cleaning houses and salons late into the night, witnessing the physical and emotional toll that labor took on her. Yet through it all, she remained unwavering in her belief that my education mattered.

Because of her strength and sacrifice, I entered college with a clear sense of purpose. I wanted to learn as much as possible, not just for myself, but for my family and community.

At family gatherings, I shared stories about college life – the projects I worked on, the organizations I joined and the people I met. Seeing my family’s pride and knowing I could inspire younger relatives to pursue their own education became one of my greatest motivations.

At Cal State San Marcos, the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) became my foundation. CAMP provided me with mentorship, friendship and a sense of belonging that transformed my college experience. From there, I became an Orientation Team leader for New Student and Family Programs, helping students and their families navigate the transition into college.

While I set out to support others, it was their encouragement that reignited my own passion. I will always remember the affirmations I received, especially from Spanish-speaking families who told me, “Tienes mucha experiencia y pasión; tendrás éxito en tu futuro.” You have the experience and the passion; you will succeed in your future.

Looking back, I am amazed by the connections I built and the lives I was able to impact. One moment stands out vividly. While volunteering at Cougar Question Mart, I helped a student find their way to Cougar Central. As I was leaving, they stopped me to thank me, not just for the directions, but for translating for their parents during orientation. They shared how meaningful it was for their family to experience a Spanish-language tour, meet the university president and feel included. That moment reinforced how powerful even small acts of service can be.

Receiving the Gezai Berhane Overall Orientation Teamer of the Year award affirmed the impact of that work and the community that helped me grow into it. This experience shaped my leadership and helped me build a strong support system that included peers, mentors, professors, sorority sisters and staff, all of whom became my CSUSM family.

This community supported me through one of the most transformative periods of my life. During this time, I began to explore my identity with honesty and courage. That journey led me to make the difficult decision to come out to my family. It was not a single moment, but months of reflection, fear, hope and preparation.

When I chose to live authentically, I believed it was worth the risk. However, the response was painful. I was told that if I chose this path, I would no longer be welcomed home. Leaving came with a deep ache, one that lingered long after I walked away. Even as I found stability and purpose on campus, I was meeting my younger siblings in parking lots to exchange holiday gifts. My definition of home began to change, but my commitment to growth never wavered.

Amid that pain, I had to learn how to rebuild a sense of belonging for myself. The community I found at CSUSM became more than just a support system. It became my stability. Through my involvement, leadership roles and the people who chose to stand beside me, I began to understand that family is defined not only by where you come from, but also by who continues to show up for you. I started to rebuild not just my sense of home, but my understanding of it, finding comfort in the communities and connections I had cultivated along the way.

That experience ultimately reshaped the way I view belonging, resilience and leadership. It changed how I approach being a leader. It pushed me to be more intentional, empathetic and committed to creating spaces where others feel seen, supported and valued. I realized that the same support and inclusion I once needed were the very things I could now provide to those around me.

College was once my finish line. Today, it is my foundation. The promise I made to care for my family has transformed into a purpose driven by intention, service and authenticity.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration last May, I now aspire to become a project manager in the tech industry, where I can apply my experiences to create a meaningful impact. More than anything, I am committed to continuing to serve my community and creating opportunities for others, just as others once did for me.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314