I Am First Faculty & Staff Profiles
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First-Gen Journeys | Our Faculty & Staff Share Their Stories
Maria Anzaldo
Retention and Graduation Specialist College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences
My college experience as a first-generation student was overwhelming. I had to navigate college on my own and with the help of friends. My experience made me realize I wanted to be a role model and mentor to help others achieve their educational goals.
Diana Ascencio
Advising Center Coordinator, College of Science Advising Center
I took classes I didn’t need and struggled to navigate the academic system while balancing school and family demands. My brother and I were both lost, figuring things out on our own. Getting involved on campus helped me find resources, support, and a community that guided me to where I am today.
Brandi Blair
Financial Aid Counselor, Financial Aid and Scholarships
Give yourself time to learn who you are, set high but attainable standards, and allow yourself the flexibility to grow and change. Make temporary sacrifices for long-term success, say yes to opportunities, and never regret an experience. I felt a lot of pressure as a first-generation student to excel and lead by example, but I relied on myself and campus resources to stay motivated and achieve my goals. Graduation was incredibly satisfying, knowing I had invested six years in pursuit of that moment.
Won Choi
Associate, Office of Undergraduate Research
Get connected with people who achieved goals that are similar to yours. Learn from their experience. Get their advice. Get recommendations and referrals to resources. I worked hard and did well academically, but nobody was available in my personal life to offer advice on career options, resources, and opportunities. Eventually, I learned earning good grades is not enough. Academic success must be supplemented by meeting the right people combined with involvement in the right activities.
Wendy Cordova
Associate Director, Centers for Transformation, Retention, Equity and Empowerment
First Generation is an identity. We are the first in our family to embark on something never done before. Be proud to be on this journey, and along the way, you will find others just like us who will support you. I was seventeen when I moved away to go to college at UC Santa Barbara, three hours from my family. When times were difficult, I told myself, 'I belong here. You earned this.
Berlinda Crawford
Advisor/Retention and Graduation Specialist, College of Education and Integrative Studies
You're not alone. It's okay to ask for help. Learn from your mistakes because they will happen. I was always afraid that others would see me as not good enough for college, so I tried my best to blend in and not draw attention. The reality was that I had a lot of support on campus, I just needed to accept the help.
Dr. Amy Dao
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Anthropology
Be open and take advantage of all the resources at your fingertips—human, monetary, and opportunity. Never let your ego get in the way of asking for help or advice. You don't know what you don't know until you know it!
Ariana Estrada
Student Identity Development and Education Coordinator, Centers for Transformation, Retention, Equity and Empowerment
Be sure to get involved with campus organizations, groups, and affiliations, as this may lead to long-lasting connections and friendships. Most importantly: ask questions. Attending a university may be unfamiliar to you, but every question asked may provide greater clarity to ensure you are on the correct path.
Dr. Jack Fong
Professor, Sociology
Always observe those who succeed and learn from them. Also, never give up. College was a culture shock, I initially felt out of place in academia. Even after earning my BA, MA, and PhD at different institutions, I still carried the heritage of my Southeast Asian roots with me.
Amber Freeland
Lecturer, Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department
Seek out help from other first-generation leaders. Continue to pursue your dreams in the face of adversity, not everything will come easy, but maintain your tenacity and fulfill your goals. All of the hard work will pay off. It was difficult navigating college, but it was also very rewarding. I had many opportunities, such as working on the world-renowned Rose Float and completing internships that guided me toward my career path.
Dr. Claudia Garcia-Des Lauriers
Professor, Geography and Anthropology
Work hard, be intellectually curious, be kind, be tough, don't take 'NO' for an answer, and most importantly, be YOU. I moved into the dorms, worked hard, applied for every scholarship I could, and poured myself into the activities and opportunities available on campus. I was fortunate to have great mentors from the honors program, faculty, administrative staff, residence staff, colleagues, and friends who helped me learn all of the things I didn’t know.
Dr. Carol Gonzales
Associate Vice President, IT Security and Compliance Chief Information Security Officer
Don't be afraid, intimidated, or too proud to reach out and enjoy everything that CPP has for you. When something gets in the way, don’t wait until it’s a big issue. The sooner you deal with it, the sooner you can move on. CPP is a very caring community. College opened up my world to so much joy and excitement away from a more stressful world at home. I could rely on my classmates and the CPP community for support.
Dr. Mario Guerrero
Chair and Associate Professor, Political Science
The sky is the limit. While college can bring challenges, it will open up doors. At Cal Poly Pomona, you have access to scholars and faculty who were also the first in their family to go to college. Explore it, embrace it, and enjoy it! My parents came to the United States from Mexico in the 1970s in search of a better life. Although I owe every bit of success to them, the road getting here was challenging. I realized I needed to invest in my education not only for myself but for people like my parents who sacrificed so much.
Patricia Higuchi
Director, Student Accounting and Cashiering Services
Ask for help when you need it, there's always someone here to assist you. My experience was scary at first; I tried to do things on my own out of insecurity and avoided resources. Looking back, I wish I had been more assertive and used the help available to me.
Linda Hoang
Early Support Specialist, Bronco Advising Center
Get involved on campus, make connections with peers and faculty, and apply to internships. Don't navigate college alone, ask for help and expand your network. My experience included balancing work, school, and leadership roles, with my most meaningful experience being a campus advising center job that set me on the path to working in higher education.
Paul Hottinger
Reference and Instruction Librarian, University Library
Ask questions, get to know your professors and fellow students, and take advantage of the clubs and programs at Cal Poly Pomona. When I started, I felt alone, but after joining clubs in my second year, I connected with others who shared my interests. College isn't just about academics, it's about building relationships and growing as a person.
Dustin Johnson
Coordinator, Reading, Advising, and Mentoring Program (RAMP)
As a first-generation college student, I often felt inadequate and alienated, especially as one of the few African American students. I considered dropping out after my first year. However, I learned to adapt by mimicking successful students, seeking out faculty mentors, and working collaboratively. I focused on courses that gave me purpose and built my confidence. By my senior year, those who once viewed me as inferior sought me out as a study partner. Despite the obstacles, I graduated with honors and now help others navigate the challenges I once faced.
Thavery Lay
Coordinator, EOP Admissions and Enrollment Services Student Support and Equity Programs (SSEP)
College can be overwhelming, but it's okay to ask questions and seek help. Get involved in clubs, connect with professors, and apply for scholarships. Look for on-campus jobs and consider studying abroad to expand your horizons. I felt intimidated and struggled my first year because I didn’t have good study habits. However, once I connected with campus resources and found my community, I felt like I truly belonged.
Dr. Sunny Lie
Associate Professor, Communication Department
Reach out to campus resources and build relationships with your classmates; they could become lifelong friends or a strong support network throughout your time at CPP. Initially, I felt intimidated by the new environment, but once I started working on campus, I met friends and found my place, thriving in college life.
Paulina Lopez
Clinical Practice Placement Coordinator, College of Education and Integrative Studies
Make sure to have an academic advisor review your education plan, look into grants and scholarships, and get involved on campus to connect with your peers. As a first-generation college student, I was excited to be the first in my family to attend university and graduated in four years, driven by the desire to make my parents proud. Despite a full class load and work schedule, I appreciated the support from my professors during office hours.
Michelle Martinez
Retention and Graduation Specialist, College of Environmental Design
Building a supportive community is crucial for success. I couldn’t have made it through college without the support of my family, faculty, and staff, who not only helped me but also challenged me to keep going. My first-generation college experience had its struggles, from adjusting to life away from home to managing time and studying. Thankfully, joining a first-generation program helped me overcome these challenges and find the support I needed to succeed.
Mireya Martinez
Academic Advisor, Student Support and Equity Programs
Never doubt yourself; you belong here. Ask for help and take advantage of the many resources available on campus to support you. As a first-generation college student, I faced challenges like imposter syndrome and homesickness. Although my family supported me, they didn’t fully understand what I was going through. Making connections on campus helped me overcome these struggles, and I found mentors who validated my experience and provided invaluable support.
Tracy McDonald
Director, Learning Resource Center Lecturer, Mathematics and Statistics
Don’t give up, find the drive to push through challenges because the rewards last forever. Get involved on campus, ask for help, and take advantage of the resources available to you. My journey as a first-generation student was shaped by support from my family, creating a strong network, and maintaining the determination to finish my degree to support my family and help others achieve their dreams.
Alberta Miranda
Lecturer, English & Modern Languages
If possible, join clubs and associations for first-gen students, like RAMP at CPP, as they help foster a sense of community. Being a first-gen student can feel isolating, but remember you're not alone. My experience was challenging; I struggled with feeling out of place and not knowing how to approach professors. I realized that many of my classmates had an advantage from their parents’ college experiences, and I didn’t even know what questions to ask.
Sam Moore
Director of Development, University Advancement
Believe in your ability to accomplish even the biggest goals. Almost nothing is as difficult as it seems before you start, and there are no shortcuts. When I first arrived at CPP, I felt lost and didn’t know many of the processes. Over time, I found people who supported me and learned to ask for help. That’s what helped me finish my degree.
Patty Mutz
Administrative Support Coordinator, Apparel Merchandising and Management
Be proud of your achievements and never let anyone tell you that a college degree isn't necessary, especially as a woman. The journey may get tough, but keep pushing forward and never give up on your dream. As a late bloomer returning to school, I feared being ostracized by younger students, but instead, they sought my guidance in group projects. I also received support from them in subjects like math, where I excelled with the help of tutors, something I will always cherish.
Dr. Phyllis Nelson
Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
The most valuable skills you gain in university go beyond class material—learning how to research, synthesize information, and manage your time are key. My journey wasn’t easy; I flunked out after my sophomore year due to family challenges, but through hard work, I recovered and finished my degree at Cal Poly Pomona. This led to a rewarding career in graduate school, aerospace, research at UCLA, and now as a faculty member.
Dr. Lideth Ortega-Villalobos
Clinical Psychologist, Student Health and Counseling Services
As a first-generation college student, remember that you’re a pioneer, though it may feel isolating, keep pushing forward even when things seem uncertain. It took me five years to graduate with my Bachelor's and nine years for my graduate degrees, but I now see it was the right timeline for my priorities. My journey started with a strong family foundation, but it wasn’t easy, and through programs like EOP and Summer Bridge, I found the support I needed to pursue my passion for psychology.
Sally Romero
Reference & Instruction Librarian, University Library
My advice to first-generation students is to network and connect. It may feel intimidating at first, but once you tap into the campus resources and support, you’ll feel like you truly belong here. Everyone at Cal Poly Pomona is here to help you succeed, and you're always welcome to stop by and visit me at the University Library!
Maria Angelica Ruiz
EOP Outreach and Admissions Counselor, Student Support & Equity Programs (SSEP)
Develop successful habits, set healthy boundaries, and make use of financial aid, part-time work, and scholarships to support your education. Get involved on campus, make connections with peers and faculty, and hold yourself accountable for academic and personal goals.
Marilu Salcedo
Library Services Specialist lll
Take your time and don’t rush your success, learning is a process, not a race. Stay connected with classmates, use campus resources, and get involved in clubs and activities. Push through challenges with the support of faculty and peers, and enjoy the journey.
Dr. Cory Scott
Lecturer, Management and Human Resources
Ask questions, seek out people who are willing to help, and pay it forward to those who come after you.
Stephany Soria
Manager, Talent Acquisition and Classification/Compensation
Don't be afraid! Whether it's asking questions, trying to get involved, going to a professor's office hours or asking for someone to be your mentor, don't be afraid. So many great opportunities are available but YOU must take the first step!
Nancy Mejia Terriquez
Senior Coordinator, Bronco Advising Center
Always ask questions and don't be afraid to ask for resources. There is always someone out there who is willing to help you.
Dr. Jason Turcotte
Professor, Communication Department
Seek out your academic advisor within the first couple of weeks starting at Cal Poly Pomona. We will remember you and will have more time to address your needs, concerns, and fears than if you waited until registration. Even if you don't have a specific question yet, just stop in and say hello. Tell your advisor that you're the first in your family to go to college. It helps us understand your needs and how to help.
Dr. Greisy Winicki Landman
Professor, Mathematics
I am the first college graduate of my family. The first year as an undergraduate was very scary: I did not know how to check for my classes, my grades, my progress, my financial aid. PLEASE contact your advisor on campus and also ask for help from the different offices that support you. Professors are great resources also, even if they are not your academic advisor. Connect with them. They want to know YOU!