As a Student 

I have been part of La Vida at Dominican University of California since my freshman year. As a first generation scholar I was clueless when it came to college and how everything works but with the help of La Vida I have been gifted the knowledge and understanding on how different college is from high school, learning from students mentors on how to become a better student, creating productive habits, figuring out my career plan, and so much more. 

Through Dominican University of California I was able to become a service learner at the non-profit RotaCare Clinic located in downtown San Rafael. Our mission is to give medical assistance to anyone who needs it regardless of income status, immigration status, and insurance status. Although my role mostly consists of interpreting for our Spanish  speaking patients I also help the clinic by scribing for the providers and registering patinets in. 

During my freshman year at Dominican University of California, I began participating in undergraduate research. I joined Dr. Spain’s lab, where our project focuses on ocean acidification and how rising pH levels or increasing ocean temperatures may affect marine life. Our research uses European green crabs as our study species, and we are currently measuring their body mass under different environmental conditions to collect accurate data. 

I began an internship with Canal Alliance my freshman year at Dominican University of California. Canal Alliance is focused on empowering and uplifting the community within the Canal neighborhood. This holds lots of meaning to me because I grew up and continue to live in Canal. Specifically, we are working to educate and collect data on tenants' rights and living conditions through our weekly outreach and casual interviews. We will then analyze our findings to determine how we can improve living conditions and educate the tenants. 

As a first-year Peer Mentor at Dominican University of California, I am committed to supporting students as they navigate their college journey. As a first-generation college student myself, I understand how challenging it can be to figure out college systems, resources, and expectations without having someone at home who has gone through the experience before. I wanted to become a Peer Mentor because I hope to be a source of guidance, encouragement, and support for students who may be facing similar challenges, helping them feel less alone and more confident as they find their path through college.

CAs an EDGE Fellow at Dominican University of California, I have the opportunity to support students and strengthen connections between the university and the surrounding community. This role allows me to share knowledge, encourage community engagement, and help others learn from the experiences of people whose perspectives may be different from their own. One meaningful experience was participating in a Canal Crawl, a walking tour of the Canal neighborhood where I grew up. I was able to share the neighborhood’s history and explain the significance of important places to residents, helping people who were less familiar with the community gain a deeper understanding of its culture, history, and experiences. Being an EDGE Fellow allows me to connect my personal experiences with my education while helping others recognize the value and strengths of the communities around them.

As a member of Hermanas Unidas for Change since my first year at Dominican University of California, I found a sense of family and support among other Latinas pursuing higher education. Being part of this club has shown me the importance of uplifting one another academically, building friendships, and creating a community where everyone feels welcomed and supported. During my sophomore year, I became an Event Coordinator because I wanted to continue growing this community and help other students experience that same sense of belonging. Through planning events and creating opportunities for students to connect, I hope to strengthen the friendships, support systems, and connections that make Dominican feel more like home.