About Me

JUST LIKE YOU…

I was a student (probably took the same classes as you did). However, I was an unconventional student. I did not go directly to college due to social/cultural barriers, personal insecurity, financial difficulties, and LIFE.

I was a 1st generation college attendee; both my parents were immigrants who did not speak English. When I had questions on what I had to do, they did not have answers, nor did they have the resources and knowledge to answer them. I had to learn everything on my own or the hard way, because of this, I became well acquainted with the world and academia's rules, bureaucracy, and politics because I had to learn them!

While English was not my first language, I worked hard to learn and understand it! I always felt like such an outsider it was difficult for me to ask for help. When I finally gathered the courage to ask for help. I was fortunate enough to come across a few amazing people along the way who selflessly gave so much to help me! They would stay hours with me to help me understand the subject material that I struggled with. I knew that they did not have to be there, but they willingly and voluntarily gave me so much of their time that I was humbled and grateful for their authentic and genuine kindness and concern for my success! I eventually overcame a lot of obstacles and achieved my academic goals. However, I know, today I am here because of all of those unsung hero's and heroine's who came in many different shapes, such as other fellow students, instructors, professors, friends, and family.

In honor of all those who helped me along the way, I told myself that if I ever had the opportunity that I would pay it forward!