I am Patricia and I’m First. My mother, along with her brother and sisters were the first ones from my family to migrate to the United States from the Philippines, making me a first generation American as well. My transition from high school to college was tough due to the difficulty of learning how to do essentially everything on my own; the Fafsa, purchasing dorm necessities, expenses, registering for classes, etc.
Trust me, if you are a first generation student, I completely understand where you are coming from, but I am here to tell you that you CAN break the cycle and go against the odds. I am saying it is 100% possible to embark on your own college journey if you just find your passion and believe in yourself. Luckily, my college experience has influenced me to step out of my comfort zone. I found my “second family” by getting involved with the Filipino-American Student Association.
I also got heavily involved with the Miss America Scholarship Organization, where I hold the current title of Miss Tucson Desert Rose 2015. Through this non-profit organization, I have chosen the platform of “First Generation Higher Education”, in which I support and empower first generation students just like myself. My platform has led me to work with some incredible organization such as The Shine Project, John Valenzuela Youth Center, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, and more.
Through these organizations, I strive to serve as the “bridge” to provide first generation students and at-risk youth with the necessary tools to taking their first step in obtaining the proper education they are all entitled to.I truly believe it is a privilege to have the opportunity to make a better living for myself through higher education.
I am currently a junior at the University of Arizona and I strive to graduate with a BSN (Nursing Bachelor’s degree) and continue my college journey by attending graduate school to obtain a Doctorate’s in Nursing to become a Nurse Practitioner. Remember, the sky is not the limit… you are.