First-Gen College Grad Eyes Teaching Career

Oscar Velasco knows a little something about being an underdog. The son of agricultural workers from Mexico, he recently became the first in his family to earn a college degree...

College Begets Love of International Relations

One of the nation’s foremost experts on U.S. Asia policy, Daniel Kliman has authored two influential books on changing power dynamics in the region...

Wind at His Back Starts at Home

Daniel Ibarra Nunez needn’t look far for motivation. His hardworking mother and father, immigrants from Zacatecas, Mexico, provide daily inspiration...

Juan Rangel: Inspired and Inspiring

Juan Rangel can tell you precisely the moment his plans for college began to take shape. Appropriately enough, it was during an AP English class early in his senior year at Pioneer Valley High School in Santa Maria...

Gabriela Goldberg: Speaking Meaningfully

Gaby Goldberg’s list of activities during her time at San Marcos High School is impressive: Captain of the varsity tennis team, captain of the varsity mock trial team, president of the AAPLE Academy, and founder...

Yesenia Aldapa: First Generation Ambassador

Yesenia Aldapa, recipient of the Casa Dorinda Scholarship, looks forward to next summer, when she will finish her psychology degree at California State University, Northridge...