Years ago during my senior year of high school, my mom and I headed towards a small town called Moraga to visit St. Mary’s College. While driving our small rental car, we wondered if we were headed in the right direction as it seemed like we were leaving civilization and driving into the hills of nowhere. It’s a beautiful drive, filled with gorgeous trees and miles of a windy road. As we drove onto campus, I was in awe by the simplicity of the large chapel at the focal point of the long driveway and the gorgeous white buildings surrounding it. I quickly fell in love with the atmosphere and took notice of students in the quad making posters. Silly as it may sound, I loved getting involved in high school and made quite a few posters in my day. Not only did the students seem excited to be there, but they were also prepping for an annual carnival that St. Mary’s hosts for inner-city kids from Oakland, CA. I loved the idea of the St. Mary’s student community getting involved with the larger Bay Area community. After the campus visit, I knew which things were important to me — finding community, building community, and giving back to my community.

Ultimately, understanding my values and seeking them out in higher education led to my success as a college student and a human.

My college story started with AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination), a college access program embedded in my high school in San Diego, CA. Geared towards closing the higher education achievement gap, AVID supports first generation college-bound students prepare for and excel in college. Selected in 8th grade, I began with a large binder, sat in the front of my classes, took Cornell Notes, and went to office hours with my teachers. For years, we were groomed to practice all of the skills that college students embody in hopes that once we got to college, we’d be prepared enough to graduate.

Aside from the study skills and organization training, I was lucky to visit 19 colleges before making my college decision. First generation college students often attend school at their local university, most likely to stay close to family or because they probably haven’t stepped onto other campuses to know that each university offers something different. The opportunity to see multiple campuses gave me a choice in my educational experience. This is where I feel extremely lucky — who gets to see 19 colleges before making their college decision?! Needless to say, by the 19th college visit, I knew what I valued and what were my non-negotiables. It was clear that I wanted small classrooms, my professors to know my name, a place where I could get involved on campus, and somewhere that valued community service. For me though, it was the feeling that I felt when I walked on St. Mary’s campus that stuck with me. It felt like home — a place where I could grow and thrive.

Both of my parents, Associate of Arts degree recipients in vocational programs, attended their local community colleges and have worked in their same field for 40+ years. They had always supported my dreams of going to a four year university, but couldn’t provide any guidance around the application process or what to expect when stepping into my first college classroom. That’s where AVID came in. The teachers (huge shout out to Mrs. Marshall), fellow students, and all of the AVID sections became my first college-going community. My teachers and classmates believed in me and taught me the necessary tools to stay organized, study effectively, and ask thoughtful questions. AVID had such a big impact on me that once I graduated from high school, that’s exactly what I wanted to be — a high school AVID teacher. Aside from being an AVID student all 4 years, I was also involved with the cheer team and Associated Student Body. In all of my extracurricular endeavors, I have always been attracted to building community, and my college experience would be no exception.

During my first semester at Saint Mary’s College of California, I focused on getting acclimated to the campus, the classroom, and the college culture. I found community amongst my peers and hall mates before starting to get involved in extracurricular activities. This was one of the best decisions I could have made, as it helped with the often difficult freshman transition period. Throughout my college career, I was an Orientation Leader, Orientation Coordinator, Cheerleader, Student Events Coordinator, Gaelforce President and a Resident Advisor for a female freshman floor. I’m so thankful that St. Mary’s allowed me to continue my passions and pursue so many amazing opportunities that I enjoyed when I was in high school.

I am immensely proud to be a Gael (St. Mary’s mascot is a fighting Irish knight but is often confused for many other things). Being around like-minded people who wanted to learn, grow, and give back to our community really inspired me while I was in college — and still to this day. College has fostered my strengths of connecting to others, listening, problem solving, showing empathy and most importantly, has opened doors for me to give back to the community.

Now, a handful of years later as a college graduate, I’m serving the community in a couple of different capacities. At ScholarMatch, I have the opportunity to support other first generation college students in their academic journey as a College Advisor. This is the exact job that I wanted in high school, but even better. Instead of teaching an academic subject (as most AVID teachers do), I get to focus on the part I enjoy the most: to encourage, guide, and motivate students in finding their dream college and then helping them thrive once they get there. In my “spare time,” I cheer with a non-profit adult volunteer team called CHEER San Francisco, an organization that performs to raise awareness and funds for local charities supporting those living with HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, and other life-challenging conditions. I’m grateful to love my career and volunteer commitment. Both organizations align with my values and allow me to give back to my community while living out St. Mary’s Lasallian motto: “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve.”

Monica is passionate about higher education and helping first-generation students achieve their college and professional goals. As a native to San Diego, she participated in a similar high school program called AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), which led to her admission to Saint Mary’s College of California. Monica has extensive experience in career advising for college students and nonprofit volunteering. Since joining the ScholarMatch team in 2014, she has spearheaded the expansion of our College to Career program — ensuring that all students are given the one-on-one support they need to graduate college and launch a successful career. When Monica is not advising college students, you can find her cheerleading with the CHEER San Francisco nonprofit team or baking some delicious treats!

#MyCollegeStory is a ScholarMatch original series highlighting the diverse and varied journeys to and through higher education. Check back each month for new stories!

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