Julia Romo
I was an Ivy League Tour participant all the way back in 2009. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in History of Science and Technology and currently work for the W. Haywood Burns Institute, a non-profit organization in Oakland aimed at using data-driven approaches to address and challenge the over-representation of people of color and youth in the criminal justice systems.
I was an Ivy League Tour participant all the way back in 2009. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in History of Science and Technology and currently work for the W. Haywood Burns Institute, a non-profit organization in Oakland aimed at using data-driven approaches to address and challenge the over-representation of people of color and youth in the criminal justice systems.
When I was in high school, college wasn't really something that was on my radar. I enjoyed my academics and didn't have difficulty keeping my grades up, even as I took extra-curricular activities and held one (or two) jobs.
When I was in high school, college wasn't really something that was on my radar. I enjoyed my academics and didn't have difficulty keeping my grades up, even as I took extra-curricular activities and held one (or two) jobs.
As an undocumented student in the days before DACA, however, finding funding for my education was incredibly difficult. I wrote off going to college far away from my home almost immediately, but through a lot of (forceful) encouragement wound up applying to a couple of UC campuses anyway.
As an undocumented student in the days before DACA, however, finding funding for my education was incredibly difficult. I wrote off going to college far away from my home almost immediately, but through a lot of (forceful) encouragement wound up applying to a couple of UC campuses anyway.
One thing led to another and in 2010, I was headed to UC Berkeley. To describe my entire college experience succinctly is incredibly difficult. But here are some numbers that might paint a good picture:
One thing led to another and in 2010, I was headed to UC Berkeley. To describe my entire college experience succinctly is incredibly difficult. But here are some numbers that might paint a good picture:
- I changed my major five times
- Lived in nine different housing situations
- Attempted to participate in eight different student organizations
- Went abroad twice
- Withdrew for two non-consecutive semesters
- Held a work study job for eight semesters
- Had two internships
- Failed two classes
- Retook two classes
- Enrolled for a grand total of 11 semesters
- Completed over 150 units of coursework
- Spent 2.5 months unemployed
- Applied for 30 jobs
- Received one green card
And finally, received one diploma in the mail and landed one big girl job.
And finally, received one diploma in the mail and landed one big girl job.
College was rough. I was under prepared, under resourced, and more than a little lonely. Though it was not easy, the tremendous support I received from my family was, in the end, enough to push me through the finish line.
College was rough. I was under prepared, under resourced, and more than a little lonely. Though it was not easy, the tremendous support I received from my family was, in the end, enough to push me through the finish line.
So I'll end with some advice that I learned through struggle and that I often give to my brother who is now at UC Davis: always be working on something.
So I'll end with some advice that I learned through struggle and that I often give to my brother who is now at UC Davis: always be working on something.
Whether it's getting your grades up or getting an internship or even just making it to class more often than not. All the work you put in counts, even if you fall short of the end goal, or have something less tangible to show for your efforts.
Whether it's getting your grades up or getting an internship or even just making it to class more often than not. All the work you put in counts, even if you fall short of the end goal, or have something less tangible to show for your efforts.
Take care of your self. You don't get another version of you if you wear this one out. And finally, know when to ask for help. You don't go very far alone.
Take care of your self. You don't get another version of you if you wear this one out. And finally, know when to ask for help. You don't go very far alone.
Always take the time to thank those that lifted you up and know that there is no shame in humility; asking for help is hard, but worth it.
Always take the time to thank those that lifted you up and know that there is no shame in humility; asking for help is hard, but worth it.
I hope you all can keep some of this in mind as you move forward on your path. Remember that no matter where you end up, or what your journey looks like, your personal best is always enough.
I hope you all can keep some of this in mind as you move forward on your path. Remember that no matter where you end up, or what your journey looks like, your personal best is always enough.