As a first-generation college student, Laura needed to learn how to navigate the educational system on her own as her parents “did not have a clue.” She was the first person in her entire family and her small community to finish an Associate’s degree in the United States.
Laura shares, “Just having the opportunity to have access to higher education was one of the best experiences when I was at PVCC.” Laura’s father was only able to finish 6th grade and her mother was not permitted to attend school due to the fact that she was a woman. In her community, females were not meant to get an education but to stay home and learn how to clean, cook, and be a good wife. “Being able to just attend PVCC was already the best experience,” Laura said. “It was an opportunity to break cultural norms. I was able to start dreaming and trying to shape my future educational goals.”
Professor Rubi’s class on Mexican culture and history in the southwest had a significant impact on Laura’s life. This class helped her learn about her heritage, its positive impact on the economy and the wellbeing of this country. Laura felt connected with his story as she learned that his wife and her mom are from the same town and they both spoke the native language of the area. This connection was a catalyst for Laura. She said, “It helped me start my journey of finding myself and being proud of my culture and heritage.”
“The education I got at PVCC allowed me to be more open minded,” Laura said. “Having a higher education most of the time allows people to be more accepting of differences and diversity.”
Upon completing her Associate’s degree at PVCC in 2007, Laura could not attend ASU due to Proposition 300 and the cost of out of state tuition. She was devastated and experienced a time of depression. In 2012, thanks to DACA (Deferred Access to Childhood Arrivals), Laura was able to work and “start dreaming again.” She got involved in the Dreamer movement. “This is where my PVCC AA degree came in handy and opened up higher wage job opportunities,” said Laura.
In 2017, Laura decided to complete her educational dreams and enrolled at ASU Teachers College. In 2019, Laura graduated ASU with her BA degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Spanish. “It felt good to know that after so many years, I finally was able to finish my educational goal and that I was the first generation with a higher education. My kids will now have someone nearby to look up to.”