Abstract: My name is Dulce Torres. I was born on October 24, 1986 in San Jose, CA. For generations nobody in my family has attended college. My parents were born and raised in Michoacan, Mexico. They didn't get much education in their childhood years and started working to help out the family at a very young age. They decided to come to the United States in search of a better opportunity. They found themselves moving from city to city looking for jobs. When they were finally stable, they were able to buy a house in San Jose, CA.
I attended Downtown College Prep (DCP) and was part of the first graduating class. It was hard for me joining extra curricular activities after school because my parents didn't think it was necessary. Through they wanted me to attend college, their lack of knowledge made things difficult for me. The didn't understand that everything I did was to add to my resume. One way or another I did it.
I got accepted to St. Mary's College. Through I was prepared, I found myself on academic probation freshman year. My dad was in jail and at the time I felt like my duty was to be at home helping my family. My mom convinced me not to, and my dad was released over Christmas break.
The return back to St. Mary's was wonderful. I was a new person and ready to start all over. I wouldn't have been able to do this without my parents' support. Through at times they didn't know and understand what it took for me to go to college, they still supported me. For that I thank them.
Keywords: first generation, family, support, Mexico
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