"Most of the time, it's not others telling you no. It's you telling yourself no." Meet Alejandra, a first-generation student who grew up in low-income housing, the youngest of six, and began working at age 14. College wasn’t in her plan. She had no idea what came after high school, until she heard about “free money” for college.

That one sentence led her to enroll at Sacramento City College. There, she found supportive professors, relatable counselors, and other students who looked like her. That made all the difference.

She eventually transferred to UC Berkeley, then earned her master's in counseling at SF State. Today, she’s a professor and counselor using her story to inspire others.

Counselor Alejandra’s story is a reminder that first-gen students are not alone and that potential doesn’t always come with a clear map. Sometimes, it starts with surviving. But it grows when you give yourself permission to hope, to explore, and to believe that you belong in higher education.

No one else will say yes for you. You have to do that part yourself.

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