Many immigrant children want to make their parents proud by being the first in their family to go to college, including Sean, who is a student in the PUENTE College and Career Program. “My parents have sacrificed a lot for me to have a better life,” Sean shares. “I always try my best to not disappoint my parents and make them proud.” As a high school student, Sean received college advisement from PUENTE through in-class workshops. When COVID-19 hit during Sean’s senior year, we counseled him on how to stay on track academically, even during distance learning. Through one-on-one case management, we helped him complete his FAFSA form and financial aid. He also earned a PUENTE scholarship.
Without this help, Sean shared that he would not have been able to pursue a four-year university. “PUENTE Learning Center gives me hope that things will be all right, even in these times of great difficulty,” Sean says. “PUENTE has helped me succeed by providing learning and financial services that allow me to continue to excel.” Sean is a talented young man with a bright future ahead of him. He is following his dreams and is on his way to completing his first year at Cal State LA. He is making his family proud as a 1st-generation college student.