Growing up she watched her loved ones being deported and since then has found ways to advocate for students who are going through similar situations. She’s involved with Yo Soy STEM, a City College pathway for Chicanx/Latinx students to succeed in STEM in a way that affirms their cultural identity, and is an integral part of City Scholars, a program that supports justice-impacted students.
“My professor and my counselor set a strong foundation for me to do well in school. It’s been a tough journey, but luckily I also have City Scholars,” said Angel, 25. “The program’s financial aid allows me to not have to work but it also requires me to be a great full-time student.”
Angel’s dedication and natural leadership stands out. Before becoming team captain and a thriving student, she was overcoming homelessness and probation, trying many times to change her future. It was not until her sociology professor, Jessica White, gave her a helping hand that she flourished.
“When my professor found out I just got out of jail on my first day of school, she asked me to stay after class,” Angel said. White encouraged her to call 211, the San Diego County assistance hotline, for housing. “I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for her.”
WE recently spoke with Angel about being a student athlete and her plans for the future:
Q: Are you a first-generation college student?
A: No one in my family has gone to college when I first started my classes, so I was
first-generation at the time. Then my mom enrolled in community college while I was
a student at Mesa College. We absolutely inspired each other. She first wanted to
get her GED because she saw how much I struggled by not having my diploma, and now
she is achieving her degree.
Q: Tell me about your involvement with Yo Soy STEM?
A: I was not yet involved on campus, and I saw a poster for a paid STEM internship.
I definitely stepped out on a whim as a sociology major. To my surprise, I was selected
to teach elementary school kids basic stem concepts. It was amazing to see Black and
Latinx kids enter the camp thinking science is boring and leave believing that they
could become scientists.
Q: How do you find the balance of being a student and an athlete?
A: Being an athlete and a student can be difficult. It’s definitely about finding the
right balance. Personally, for me, I learned how to say no to things like social hangouts
and to take advantage of the study hall opportunities coach allows us during practice.
I also plan ahead. Tuesdays and Fridays are my game days, and sometimes we have a
two-hour bus ride to get to another college. I do homework or bring reading materials
with me on the bus; and I also meal prep.
Q: What are your college goals after you graduate City College?
A: My dream is to transfer to University of San Diego, where my mom worked for ten years.
I know the Jenny Craig Pavilion and athletic field like the back of my hand. I am
hoping to apply for USD and achieve the Chancellor Emerita Constance M. Carroll Scholarship,
so I can play soccer in a place where I grew up helping my mom clean the bleachers.
Going there would be a full circle moment for us.
Q: You have a diverse skill set and a drive for helping others; what is your dream
career?
A: I would love to work at City College one day, but for now, after USD, I want to pursue
law school or my Ph.D. I am also so excited for a potential new opportunity with City
College. They launched a new fellowship for immigration and law. I always wanted to
be an immigration lawyer as a kid. I have experienced deportation with my own family
getting sent back to Guatemala; because of that I really applied myself to this fellowship.
Q: What do you love most about City College?
A: I feel at home at City College because of the San Diego Promise scholarship, EOPS,
and City Scholars. All three programs were made for students like me. I check every
box; City College wants us here because of all of who we are. They accept us.