Leadership and Finding Community with Juan

Transcript

Juan is here to tell us about his experience, not only as a first generation student, but how important it’s to feel like you belong on campus. Fullerton College has various initiatives and resources designed to foster a sense of belonging among its students. Juan, tell us more.

– Thanks for the intro, Alex. As the oldest in a first generation undocumented family, I took on leadership early, not only guiding my siblings to our family side hustle, but also leading in school. The business program at Fullerton College feels like a second home to me. Our professors are incredible, many are former CFOs, top managers and experts in the respected field. The instructors engage with us, connect with us on a personal level and generally want us to excel. It’s amazing to have such dedicated mentors who bring the real world experience into the classroom. Not only am I a full-time student, I’m also a student employee. I’m the marketing and events advocate for the Grads to Be Program. This vital initiative supports our undocumented students and students who come from mixed status families with a range of services including academic counseling, mental health resources, immigration, legal aid, and more. The staff, many of whom have shared similar experiences are deeply committed to creating that sense of belonging and family. We’re more than just a program, we’re a supportive community focused on your success. Fullerton College embodies the belief of making sure every student feels welcome and supported. The faculty and staff here really care about our success and they’ve taught me the value of proactive support and personal connection. As I plan to transfer to a four-year institution, my goal is to continue building my skills with a focus on bringing into investment banking, I’ll carry the lessons learned and the leadership experience I’ve gained here to carry me to my next challenge. That’s my story, back to you, Alex.

– Thank you, Juan for sharing your incredible story. It sounds like Grads to Be is one of the most heartfelt and effective programs on campus dedicated to ensuring students have everything they need to succeed through the lens of social justice. We know you’ll be an excellent leader in life. Thank you again for sharing your story.