Introducing Manager of Alumni Affairs
June 1, 2023 -- Introducing Ms. Stephanie Leon
Ms. Leon attended CSULA where she earned her Bachelor's in Sociology and Chicana/o Studies. Later, she attended CSULB where she earned her Master’s in Social and Cultural Analysis of Education. She has also worked with Alliance Cindy and Bill Simon Technology High School in Watts, CA as a leadership teacher and class advisor. Right before joining Equitas, Stephanie worked with Tennessee State University’s The You First Project where she was a college success coach for first-generation students.
READ HER INTERVIEW BELOW
All About Me:
High School: Eagle Rock H.S.
College: CSULA and CSULB
Major: Sociology, Chicano Studies, and Education
Horoscope: Virgo (September)
Self-Interview Questions
Did you go to your college of first choice?
No, I actually went to CSULA which wasn't even on my radar. I had gotten into a university in Boston, MA and I begged my parents to go. They didn't let me, I was the oldest and the first to go to college. They were also scared for me to take out loans. It was a huge ordeal for my family. I just, "couldn't go." I had gotten several scholarships but not a full-ride because at the time my parents "made too much money" according to the FAFSA guidelines but it wasn't true. So I ended up just going to CSULA and to be honest, I loved it. I learned so much. I don't regret it.
How did you know what to study or major in?
I actually wanted to be a lawyer, I had always said I wanted to go into Law. I ended up picking English because CSULA did not have pre-law, and I switched. I ended up picking Sociology. SHOUTOUT TO PROFE MIKE CHAVEZ- he was a great teacher and really made sociology interesting and fun. He challenged our thinking and perspectives, I learned so much and loved that class so much that I ended up changing my major in sociology. As I was taking classes, I realized I could double major and my classes counted twice so I added Chicano Studies. CSULA taught me a lot about myself and other perspectives that were not taught to me in high school. I also volunteered with EPIC under America Reads and Counts, I was tutoring kids at an elementary school and I realized I could do a lot more good working in Education instead of law. I just felt like it was personally more rewarding.
Any advice for fellow fist-gen?
YES. DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT. Say yes to all the opportunities that come along. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Be confident in who you are! As first-generation, a lot of the time, we are the first to be able to do a lot of different things. yes, it is stressful and difficult, but the journey is beautiful. I was the first to go to college, the first to get a "real" job, the first to move out of state for a job, the first to travel internationally, and more. Do everything you feel is right and meant for you.
What is your motivation?
I think my motivation is my family and loved ones. I have been so lucky to do things they haven't been able to do that I work hard for them, I want them to also experience things as well. I was lucky and got to travel to Africa and France and I want my family to do the same. My mom raised me my entire life, mostly by herself and we had help from my tias and tios. even my cousins didn't get to do the same things I did, so being the first is my motivation. The world is so big that I want my family to see it too. If I didn't have them I don't know what would be my motivation.