"My dad is a custodian on the graveyard shift; my mom has washed dishes her whole life. They can’t ever advance because they don’t speak English well.
"We moved to Utah when I was 8. On the first day of school, I cried in front of the class because I had no idea what anyone was saying.
"I dreamed about going to college but didn’t think that would be possible. Then I started getting help through some pre-college outreach programs. They helped me find financial aid, register for classes at Weber State and improve my study skills.
"Right now, I work with a mentor in the Bridges program, and I’m doing really well. For students like me, going to college is a struggle, but it’s worth it. In the end, I’ll have the life I want."