
CAMP Alumni
Spring 2021

February
Maria Venegas Escobedo

March
Brian Sanchez
- Brian's Autobiography
Hello, my name is Brian Sanchez. I was raised in the small beach town of Solana Beach, California. In my pass time I like to read, play guitar and dance salsa. Both of my parents are immigrants from Mexico. My Dad is from the state of Puebla, and my mom is from the state of San Luis Potosi. Like many first generation Mexican- Americans, I grew up in a low-income neighborhood, and often struggled in school. However, thanks to the support of my parents I was able to enroll into a 4-year university.
During my time as an undergraduate, at Cal State San Marcos, I was fortunate to be part of the CAMP program. It was thanks to this program that I was able to get my feet wet in a University environment and built the confidence to be active on campus. In May of 2012, I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminology. I then went on to receive a Master of Arts in Sociological Practice,
As I look back into my academic accomplishments, I must say it was no easy task. One of the hardest barriers that I had to face was getting myself to believe that I belonged in a higher learning institute. I was able to get over this doubt by surrounding myself with other friends/brothers that were going through a similar struggle.
Today, I work as an Academic Advisor, and I am also a professor of Sociology. Before getting to this point of my career I worked as a community service officer, school mentor, tutor, cashier, and program ambassador. Although, I am fortunate to of reached this point in my career, I am still young to my career and I am looking forward to more professional accomplishments in the future. Getting to this point of my career has come with its challenges, especially being the first of three brothers to graduate from a University. If there is one advice, I can offer the future professionals of the CAMP program, it would be, to always be in contract with the professionals you meet, because it is these people that might hold a future opening to your professional career.

April
Alma Sanchez
- Alma's Autobiography
First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to be considered for this “spotlight” of the month opportunity with my CAMP familia. My name is Alma Luisa Sanchez Castro and I am a first generation college student and CAMP alumni. I grew up in the Imperial Valley and growing up as a migrant student school was never easy for me, but my parents instilled in me the importance of education and they inspired me to work as hard as they did in the fields so that I would have a better future.
I graduated from CSUSM with my Bachelors degree in Human Development with an emphasis in Counseling in the year 2013. I then proceeded to pursue my teaching credential the following year and graduated with a Multiple Subject Credential and a Bilingual Authorization in the year 2014. It is my pride and joy to say that I was able to obtain my Master of Arts in Education at CSUSM in the year 2016 and I am currently seeking my Administrative Credential. A goal I have for the future is to obtain my doctorate degree and teach at the university level in order to inspire, prepare, and teach future educators.
When I was attending CSUSM for my undergraduate, I had the opportunity to work as a Mini-Corps tutor. I helped migrant students like myself in the classrooms at the elementary level as well as secondary levels. This is what inspired me to pursue a career in education.
I am currently a bilingual fourth grade teacher at Reynolds Elementary School in the Oceanside Unified School District. I am proud to say I have been a teacher at Reynolds for seven year where I have taught second through fifth grade serving language learners in a Two Way Bilingual Immersion program. It is my passion to teach language, cultura, and also social justice. I love my job and I really enjoy what I do.
Besides teaching fourth grade I am also a BTSA mentor where I serve as a guide for a first year teacher, I support her through her first year of teaching. This year I also had the opportunity to serve as a Co-teacher alongside a teacher candidate from the CSUSM teaching credential program where I also have the opportunity to mentor and support new teacher candidates who are pursuing a teaching career. Lastly, I have had the opportunity to work as a parent trainer through a grant, Project ACCEPT, with a professor at CSUSM, Dr. Ana Hernandez. I have been working with parents of English language learners from my district for the past four years. I train parents on how to use technology with the use of one to one iPads to better support their children at home. Working with this grant has opened many doors for me as an educator, I have had the opportunity to present in four nationwide Conferences for educators.
My journey has been long and I was fortunate to have great support along the way. The support of my family, friends, great mentors, and programs like CAMP was essential in helping me achieve my goals as an undergraduate and as a professional. There were many challenges I faced through my journey like moving away from home, learning how to be independent, and many times doubting myself and my intellectual abilities to accomplish my goals. My advice for current campers is to not give up, always remember why you started and what your end goal is. Visualize your goals and don’t give up, it will be worth it.

May
Felipe Angel
- Felipe's Autobiography
My name is Felipe Angel and I am part of the 2014 graduating class here at CSUSM. I embarked on this college journey in 2008 and couldn’t have made it to where I am today without the assistance of this amazing program. I am a first generation Latino from Valley Center, CA and I am currently a Diversity and People Analytics Sourcer at Facebook. My core responsibilities consist of identifying top talent in todays competitive market and aligning the candidates experience and passions to our open positions. While doing this, I also maintain candidate sentiment top of mind through the whole process as people are at the heart of what I do.
Before joining Facebook, I kicked off my professional career at Aerotek. I was hired as a recruiter in 2014 and worked myself to an Account Recruiting Manager and Account Manager before I made the transition into tech in 2017. Aerotek was able to teach me how to really balance out my emotions, how to develop a work/life balance, and how to establish long lasting relationships. Recruiting is a very fast paced and demanding industry and finding balance is key.
While at Cal State San Marcos, not only was I a full time student but I was also a full time employee. Having free time was almost unrealistic for me so I early on, I had to find a way to be efficient with my time. The biggest challenge for me wasn’t making time but it was more of the sacrifice that I had to make for myself and my future. A lot of my friends were out having fun and going to the club, where those nights I was either studying or working to make it through the next week. We all have a different journey and the best thing to do is to make your self priorities your own not based on what others around you are doing. Today, CSUSM offers students like yourself, tons of new resources and opportunities I never had, so make the most out of them. Connect with the right people and have fun, I am happy and honored to serve as a mentor to all of you and pave the way for whatever you want to do. If I made it here with little guidance, imagine where you can get!
Fall 2021

September
Alejandro Contreras
- Alejandro's Autobiography
My name is Alejandro Contreras and I am a first-generation Mexican American son of immigrant parents from Uruapan, Michoacán. I was born in San Diego, California, but I spent most of my early childhood years in Tijuana, Mexico with my mother while she waited to be granted residency into United States. During that time, my father lived and worked in Oceanside during the week and reconnected with us on the weekend, but we reunited in San Marcos when my mother was finally granted her residency.
Upon returning to California, I was enrolled in the San Marcos Unified School District and completed my high school education at Mission Hills High School in the summer of 2012. I then proceeded to get my Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Sociology with a minor in Spanish from Cal State San Marcos in the spring of 2016. A few years later, I completed a Master of Arts in Educational Counseling with an emphasis on Trauma Informed Care from San Diego State University in the summer of 2020.
I’ve been very fortunate to achieve what I have achieved thus far, but growing up in a low-income community presented numerous challenges like food insecurity, neighborhood violence, racial discrimination, and internal family disputes. The most challenging time for my family and I came during the years of the immigration protests and economic recession in 2006 and 2007. I realized how limited our opportunities were when my father struggled to find work and basic necessities like food became unattainable. At school I was judged and scolded by school teachers and administrators because of my skin color, bilingual status, and Mexican heritage. The constant labeling pushed me closer to gang violence and eventually I decided I wasn’t college bound, even if I was doing well academically. However, with the help of numerous support programs and the migrant ed representative at my high school, I learned about CAMP and grew empowered again as I became the first person in my family to enroll at a four-year university.
Today, I am honored to serve my campus community and the city of San Marcos as a Police Officer with the Cal State San Marcos Police Department. I also have experience working in higher education as I also worked as an Outreach Programs Student Assistant, CAMP Retention Specialist, PASO Student Ambassador and Advisor, Admissions Officer, and Outreach Recruiter. All my personal experiences and professional achievements have forged me into the working professional that I am now, but I only attained those goals by ditching my pride and asking for help when I needed it most. Taking on the charge as a first-generation college student can be taxing and the pressure of setting an example for those behind you can be suffocating. Fortunately, our campus community is bursting with knowledgeable and experienced people willing to help during the most difficult times, so my suggestion to all students is to seek guidance when the college experience becomes more frightening than exciting.

October
Manny Calderon
- Manny's Autobiography
Manny Calderon, MBA is the Senior Director of Finance at Aurrera Health Group. He oversees all financial aspects of the business and drives the company’s financial strategy and planning.
Prior to joining Aurrera Health Group, Manny was a Finance Manager at eHealth, an online insurance marketplace specializing in Medicare. At eHealth Manny oversaw all financial reporting, planning, and forecasting activities for the Medicare Partnerships division.
Manny also previously worked at Beckman Coulter, a global diagnostics and life sciences company. As Finance Manager, Manny supported pricing, revenue, and budgeting activities for the Microbiology Business Unit. He also led the financial turnaround strategy for key regions to achieve positive sustainable growth. Prior to Beckman, Manny was part of Intel Corporation where he held various revenue analyst positions.
Manny holds an MBA from Sacramento State and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Cal State San Marcos. Manny enjoys cycling, jogging and traveling. Manny and his family live in the Sacramento region with their cat Oreo.

November
Dr. Juan Carlos Reyna
- Dr. Juan Carlos' Autobiography
A proud immigrant from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Juan Carlos was raised in San Diego North County and was part of the 2006 CSUSM CAMP Cohort. He has worked in the education sector for over 14 years and has served in numerous capacities within the University of California, Community College, and in K-12 systems of education. Currently, Juan Carlos serves as a Council Member and Vice President of Finance for a national nonprofit organization called the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE). Most recently, he served as the Director of a Developing Hispanic Serving Institution Title V grant at Grossmont College in San Diego East County. He provides leadership and assists with the development, implementation, evaluation, and adaptation of programs, services, and professional development opportunities in higher education.
Juan Carlos currently holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from SDSU, a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from National University, and a bachelor’s degree in History from CSUSM. Within his first year at CSUSM, Juan Carlos faced many challenges at home, with employment, and many other responsibilities outside of school. He was unable to prioritize school and was dismissed from CSUSM after his first year. Infuriated about becoming part of the negative statistics regarding Latino men in higher education, he refused to give up, appealed his dismissal, and was reinstated. Four years later, he walked the stage and received his bachelor’s degree. As a first-generation college graduate, he has witnessed the generational impact that his accomplishment has made on his entire family. He advises students to maintain
Spring 2022

February
Victor Lopez
Fall 2022

September
Jonathan Molina
- Jonathan's Autobiography
Buenas! My name is Jonathan Jesus Molina, and I am a proud CSUSM-CAMP alumn. I am a first-generation Mexican-American as both my parents are from Mexico. I was raised with my younger sister a few blocks away from the CSUSM campus in San Marcos, CA primarily by my mother who spent many years as an immigrant worker. I had a modest upbringing in a low-income household where none of my local community members had any college education. To wit, science was not the family business. Despite this, I never struggle academically. However, I did struggle in maneuvering through the academic pipeline--that is, deciding on a career path, deciding which school to attend, and understanding what steps to take to be in the profession I desired. I also needed to allow myself to feel comfortable in being the only Latino in a room of peers with completely different and more privileged backgrounds. CAMP greeted me warmly in 2012 as I began my undergraduate career at CSUSM where I majored in in Biological Sciences. CAMP provided the sense of belonging in college by instilling a sense of community in me with individuals from similar backgrounds. Furthermore, they also pointed me to campus resources and offices including the Office of Training, Research, and Education in Science. With OTRES, I was able to outline the path I would take to get where I am and also to where I want to be; a research professor. Thus, CAMP helped me navigate through my struggles in understanding the academic pipeline as well as feeling comfortable not having a privileged background and still pursuing a college education. Now, I am currently a PhD Candidate in Integrated Biomedical Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. Prior to this, I had a variety of part-time jobs, research projects, fellowships, and made memorable moments that developed my experience, including: research with the San Diego Zoo – Safari Park with—where I did my Master’s research--and peer mentor with Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP). As a peer mentor with LSAMP, I aided in developing young scientists determined to learn the scientific method and carry a project from conception, to bench, and follow through with communication via poster presentation. This experience was impactful because I was not only able to guide other student’s from similar backgrounds as myself to engage in scientific work, but also reminded myself of how limited the scientific community is in scientists with Latin backgrounds even in CSUSM; an institution with high Hispanic/Latin enrollment. This disparity was also clear to me in professor representation as I had so few Latin professors in biology. This now motivates me to accomplish my career goals because I feel that if more students can visualize themselves as a scientist they will pursue that career path more often. Thus, if I could give any words of advice, it would be to be brave in pursuing your dreams and ask for help when you struggle.
October
Cipriano Vargas
- Cipriano's Autobiography
Cipriano Vargas was born and raised in Vista, is currently the President of the Vista School Board and serves as the Strategic Manager of Community Engagement for San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer. He is a graduate of Vista Public Schools and the proud son of migrant farmworkers. Vargas earned his B.A. in Sociology from California State University San Marcos with a minor in Women Studies and Spanish.At Cal State San Marcos, Vargas served on student government and was later appointed by Governor Brown to the CSU Board of Trustees. It was there that he became a fierce champion of higher education and ultimately a factor that led him into the classroom. He interned with VUSD Superintendent Vodicka, participated in various programs with the National Latino Research Center (NLRC), and spent a good amount of time advocating for students in Sacramento & Washington D.C.After graduating from college, he taught Kindergarten in the urban core of San Antonio, Texas. He was part of the founding faculty for KIPP Esperanza Dual Language School. In 2016, he returned home and was successfully elected to the Vista Unified Schoolboard where he now serves as the School Board President. Prior to working for the County of San Diego, he worked for SEIU Local 221 as their political organizer helping advocate for workers and a more transparent county budget process. Through their efforts, the Invest in San Diego Families Coalition has seen major wins for our region which include rental support, increased wages for workers, the creation of the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Affairs and Office of Labor Standards. Now at the County of San Diego, Cipriano manages the grants for the Office of Supervisor Lawson-Remer, supports community engagement, and advises on policies impacting residents in our region. The County of San Diego has a $7.3 Billion Dollar operating budget with over 15,000 employees. Most recently, the County Board of Supervisors have been laser focused on tackling the cost of living, homelessness, and supporting working families.Cipriano has been recognized for his leadership by the San Diego Union Tribune as Young Latino Champion, the Vista Chamber of Commerce in their 40 under 40 recognition and as Alumnus of the Year by Migrant Education Region 9. He serves as the Past President of the CSUSM Alumni Association and is a member of ACLU Next Gen.Cipriano’s advice for students is “Take a risk and step outside your comfort zone. As an introvert, I never realized my own potential as a youth. I was fortunate to have good mentors in my life who provided me with advice and helped me take those leaps. Find those individuals and organizations that will help you grow and develop. There is a whole world out there, go chase those dreams''.

December
Luz Clarita Torres
Spring 2023

January
Maria Quintana
- Maria's Autobiography
My name is Maria Quintana. I have two majors, one in Nursing and the other in Human Development. I am currently a Triage Registered Nurse. When I graduated from High School and transitioned to CSUSM, I would say it was less overwhelming for me all because I was part of CAMP. I honestly felt that CAMP got me out of my comfort zone in which I got to meet new classmates and people, and also gave me the opportunity to get familiar with the campus. CAMP for me was like home/family because I had some amazing advisors that were there to listen to me academically and socially. CAMP was overall very welcoming and helpful. Some tips that helped me balance my personal and academic life were having a planner and breaking my time throughout the day. Also, I would stay after class in the library and get all my assignments and studying done before I went home. The responsibilities and focusey that I have as Triage Registered Nurse are:
- Triaged/assess patient with proper protocols and informed providers in a timely manner within the work shift in order to ensure a timely call-back or follow-up.
- Assisted physicians and mid-level providers with different examinations and procedures.
- Conduct medication reconciliation and refills.
- Document all information adequately in the patient’s electronic health record (EHR) and overall ensure Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance by maintaining strict confidentiality of all patient information.
What I love about my job is that I get to be part of the health care of my patients and advocate for them in order for them to receive the optimum care they deserve. What motivates me is as a Hispanic I get to help my community and underserved population and at the end of their visit patients are always happy that they are understood. The most valuable piece of advice would be that it is okay to be unsure about their pathway, to take their time and do research or ask to sit in lectures that find their interest. Do not rush and do something that you will not enjoy in your life.

February
Dr. Avi Rodriguez

June
Oscar Caralampio
- Oscar's Autobiography
My name is Oscar Caralampio and I am a teacher in Fallbrook, California. I have been teaching for slightly over 7 years now and it is a pleasure building great relationships with my students and their families. Aside from teaching, I also serve as the school board vice president for the Fallbrook Union High School District.
I was born in an indigenous village in Guatemala. My family and I are from Aldea Ixtenam and our native language is Q’anjob’al; Q’anjob’al is an indigenous language that dates back to the great Maya civilization. Now, I live, teach, and organize in Fallbrook with my wife who is a high school counselor. Together, we are doing the best to raise our two beautiful children (Itzae and Natahvi) while trying to advocate for the youth in our community.
As an elementary teacher, I am currently the Innovation Lab teacher at our dual immersion school. I am responsible for teaching hands-on science lessons, in Spanish, to our over 500 students. I see each grade level twice a week, and I teach all of our Kinder-6th graders as well as our TK and three classes of Special Education. It is definitely a beautiful challenge.
As a migrant student, my siblings and I worked in the Valley Center agricultural fields at a young age. By the time I was 8, I worked full time picking the produce and weeding the fields. My brothers and I spent countless hours, and memories, under the beating sun every summer, weekend and school breaks. It was definitely a character building experience. Throughout my college career, I worked a handful of jobs. I spent years being an after school staff, painting houses with my oldest sibling, working in gas stations and cleaning houses with my sister. There are a lot of life lessons that one can gain from trade related work, never underestimate any labor experience.My advice for our CAMP students is to be unique, do not be afraid to embrace identity. As you continue to work on improving yourself, make sure to give back. You didn’t make it this far alone, I truly believe that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Think collectively, not individually; measure your success on how you have made life better for others, not just for your pockets. Lastly, I hope all of you enjoy your time in CAMP and at CSUSM; I have made amazing, life long friends, from CAMP and I hope all of you get the opportunity to experience how amazing that feels. En lucha, siempre.
Fall 2023

August
Alan Albino

September
Monica Huerta

October
Ivan Gonzalez
- Ivan's Autobiography
I was born and raised in a tight knit, transborder community nestled in the heart of the Imperial Valley, right on the border of Calexico, California. Growing up in this vibrant and diverse environment, I was constantly exposed to different cultures and perspectives, which would later shape my outlook on life.
As a first-generation Mexican American, I understood the importance of education from a young age. My parents instilled in me the value of hard work and perseverance, and I was determined to make the most of the opportunities that lay ahead. Little did I know, the path to success would be both challenging and rewarding.
After years of dedication and relentless effort, I proudly graduated from California State University San Marcos with a degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Spanish Language. This achievement was not only a testament to my academic achievement but also a symbol of breaking barriers within my family and community.
Currently, I serve as a medical assistant, a medical scribe, and a surgical technician, all in the specialized area of pain management. Additionally, I work as a Spanish-speaking medical interpreter, bridging the gap between healthcare providers and patients in both in-patient and out-patient settings. My passion for healthcare and my ability to communicate effectively in Spanish have allowed me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of many.
During my undergraduate years at CSUSM, I seized the opportunity to engage in two years of animal physiology research. This experience not only deepened my understanding of scientific literature but also fostered a love for research and discovery. It taught me that in the pursuit of knowledge, patience and dedication are invaluable allies.
One of the greatest challenges I faced during my undergraduate studies was navigating the complex world of higher education without the guidance of my family. However, I was determined to pave the way for my younger sibling and set an example of what is possible through hard work and determination. During this challenging journey, I found support in my CAMP family, who became my pillars of strength.
In the words of an inspiring quote that has guided me throughout my journey: "It only takes belief in yourself to turn a dream into a reality." This simple yet profound statement has been my mantra. My journey from Calexico to success is a testament to the power of self-belief and perseverance.
As I continue to grow in my career and pursue my passion for healthcare, I remain committed to being a source of inspiration for others, especially those in my community. I am proof that with determination, hard work, and self-belief, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams. My journey is far from over, and I look forward to inspiring and helping others along the way.

November
Miguel Angel Rangel
- Miguel's Autobiography
Miguel Angel Rangel was born in Fallbrook but raised in all North County. He lived in San Marcos, Vista, Valley Center, Bonsall Escondido and Tecate Mexico to name a few. Miguel earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance in 2020. He was fortunate to study abroad in Spain for a summer and took some courses towards his minor in Spanish. Miguel currently works as a Project Accountant for a Tech Company named Paladin Technologies in San Diego. His current role involves working closely with the operations team and project managers. He is primarily responsible for overseeing the financial aspects of a project as it progresses. Miguel Angel has been fortunate to work with finance teams for various companies and in industries such as cosmetics, infrastructure, oil and gas and his most current role is in the tech industry. As an undergraduate he faced many challenges most first-generation students face when pursuing a higher education. Miguel at age 15 was separated from his mom and had to adapt even during his educational journey. His mom resides in Tecate, Mexico and would make trips to visit her every other week. He mentions that being able to balance his time with family, friends and his educational studies was the most overwhelming and exhausting part of his journey. Before CAMP, Miguel also struggled with being social and being able to have a conversation with other people. He was very shy in High School and when he began the CAMP summer program, he decided he wanted to change that. He began by participating in classroom discussions and asking questions when necessary. Miguel by the end of CAMP did not recognize himself because of how social he had become during the summer bridge in 2015. What Miguel values the most from this summer program was the amount of friends he had made and being able to identify with many of these individuals. Miguel is very proud of himself and is very content with his life and the people that surround him. He now lives in Little Italy, Downtown San Diego and is living the life “Little Miguel” would have loved, he explains that after all the struggles him and his family have gone through, he would have never imagined to be living the life he has now. Miguel Angel is thankful for CAMP for teaching him the most valuable lesson there is and that is “hechandole ganas” and staying true to yourself.
Spring 2024

January
Victoria Camacho
- Victoria's Autobiography
Victoria Camacho Hi everyone, my name is Victoria Camacho. I grew up in North County San Diego split between Escondido and San Marcos. I went to grade school and college in San Marcos, so I consider San Marcos my hometown. However, my family and I are from a small rancho known as Zarate, Michoacan. We moved to the United States when I was 10 months old and my home became Southern California. I am so grateful my parents took the risk of leaving everything they knew behind in pursuit of a better life without knowing what they were getting themselves into. Through their sacrifices, I was able to be the first person in my family to earn a college degree at California State University San Marcos. Looking back, achieving a degree in Human Development created a strong foundation for myself because with the rigors of being a first generation college student I was able to develop strong critical thinking skills and an excellent work ethic. After graduating from CSU San Marcos, I went on to pursue a degree in nursing at CSU Channel Islands and am currently working on my graduate degree to become a Nurse Practitioner. I work at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital as a Clinical Nurse II providing care for patients with cardiac conditions. I also precept new nurses, students, and assist with interviews for potential new hires. You might be wondering why I didn’t pursue nursing at CSUSM and if you weren’t let me tell you. There was a phase during my early college years where my self-confidence plummeted and this trickled into all aspects of my life. I didn’t feel like I was smart enough and I resented not having parents that could help guide me or tell me things other than “tu puedes mija”. In retrospect, I let the world dictate what I was capable of, instead of believing in myself. The turning point was when my friendships with Karen Guerrero and Anayeli Sanchez became stronger, these women influenced me greatly. The power amistades have at such an impressionable age is underestimated. This is why I am so grateful for the College Assistance Migrant Program, they gave me a lot more than I could have asked for: comunidad, advising support, stipends for materials and life changing friendships. My biggest take away for first-year college students is this: mira tu alrededor and ask yourself, do these people help me grow or succumb to mediocrity? You need a support system that understands your struggle and doesn’t let you fall when you want to give up. Most importantly, believe you are capable of hard things and you will do them, it doesn’t matter how long it takes you or how many times you reroute your “plan”, stay committed and you will succeed.

Febuary
Azucena Acosta

March
Jovani Vega
- Jovani's Autobiography
My journey begins in the blistering heat of Imperial Valley, more specifically Heber, California. Both of my parents were migrant field workers who gave up their dreams and careers in Mexico to give us a shot at the American Dream. Like many other Chican@s, I grew up in a rough underserved neighborhood, but I take pride of where I’m from. It molded me into the person that I am today and has made me grateful of the little things in life.
My professional journey started with the College Assistance Migrant Program. I was an Academic Advisor / Out of the Area recruiter I worked with high schools outside of the local service area, such as Coachella Valley and Imperial Valley. I also worked for the Office for Training, Research and Education in the Sciences here at CSUSM where I helped with the Guaranteed Transfer Admission Support Program for Palomar STEM Scholars. After that journey I landed a position with Office of Recruitment and Outreach as a Recruitment and Outreach Officer where I got to work with different high school districts creating a bridge for students who were interested in applying to CSUSM.
I am currently a Senior Academic Advisor at Cal. State University San Marcos. I work with Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Biological Sciences, and Biotechnology majors. I assist our current CSUSM scholars with their educational plans and any questions they may have about their educational journey. I love what I do, I get to guide students and help them get to graduation.
There were different challenges that I faced as an undergraduate. Being from out of the area I had a huge culture shock and difficult transition to the fast-paced city life. I was used to the pace of my small hometown. Everything moves faster in the city, you have to “move with the cheese” or you’ll get trampled. Being a first-generation college student didn’t make it easier, everything was new to me; from the FAFSA application, selecting the right courses, having to find an apartment, roommates, buying groceries, and the new young adult responsibilities such as paying rent and utilities. I quickly learned that financial aid wasn’t going to cover everything, so I had to find a job and had to balance work with my academics. The biggest challenge I had to face was when my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer. I did not take this well, I don’t think anyone is ready for such thing. After my mom passed, I questioned a lot of things in life, and it also made me want to drop out and move back to Imperial Valley even though I only had 1 more year and half to finish my degrees. I was ready to leave, but my CAMP Advisor Saida Rivas and our CAMP Director Minerva Gonzalez spoke with me and provided the support that I needed. I knew that I couldn’t give up, this was for my mom and pops and all the people who believed in me, so I kept pushing and was able to complete my goal of graduating from CSUSM. ¡Si se pudo!
Motivational words for CAMPers, “tú puedes con esto, y más.” I know that it’s hard and tough at times to keep on going but it will get better I promise. Always remember your why. It doesn’t matter how many times you stumble levántate, sacúdete y sigue adelante. You got this!

April
Lilian Serrano
- Lilian's Autobiography
My name is Lilian Serrano, and I am a Fronteriza deeply rooted in the vibrant border region of San Diego-Tijuana. Growing up I witnessed firsthand the complexities and challenges faced by border communities.
During my teenage years, my family relocated to Oxnard, CA, where my parents gained employment in the agricultural industry. This transition exposed me to the harsh realities of our immigration system, labor exploitation and economic inequality prevalent in immigrant communities.
My lived experiences led me to pursue a career dedicated to social justice. With over a decade of experience working closely with immigrant communities in San Diego County, I've committed myself to amplifying our voices and our needs. As the Director for the Southern Border Communities Coalition(SBCC), I lead a network of
organizations along the US-Mexico border from San Diego, CA to Brownsville, Texas. We come together to advocate at the federal level to reclaim our dignity, and protect life in the border region. This role allows me to champion policies and initiatives that promote human rights and
fight back the militarization of our communities. Prior to my role at SBCC, I served as Community Educator and Co-Director with Universidad Popular, a grassroots community-based organization dedicated to promoting health, education,
and civic participation. At Universidad Popular, we worked collaboratively with community leaders to develop culturally responsive programs that addressed the specific needs of our communities. Our approach was rooted in principles of social justice and equity, aiming to empower individuals to become agents of change in their own lives and communities.
During my academic journey at California State University San Marcos, where I majored in Human Development and Spanish, I was actively involved as a student leader with MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán). My studies provided me with valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and the importance of cultural competence in addressing
social issues, while my involvement with MEChA taught me the importance of grassroots community mobilization in effecting positive change.
As a first-generation college student, I faced numerous challenges navigating the university system without the guidance and support readily available to many of my peers. However, these obstacles only strengthened my resolve to create pathways for future generations of students
facing similar struggles. My journey has been shaped by a steadfast commitment to advocating
for social justice and fostering inclusive communities where all individuals are valued and empowered to thrive

May
Alejandro Arellano
- Alejandro's Autobiography
My name is Alejandro Arellano, and I am a first-generation Latino male graduate, a father, and a son of immigrants from Jalisco, Mexico. I was born in Oceanside, CA and lived in Oceanside for about four years. I then moved to San Marcos, CA and stayed for over 20 years before now living in Escondido, CA. I am the current Outreach and Retention Counselor for Project Rebound at CSUSM. Project Rebound is a specialized program that serves and supports formerly incarcerated, and system impacted scholars. Essentially, my role is that of an opportunity giver who holistically supports Project Rebound scholars with any needs and barriers that they face as they navigate their education. I am also serving in the capacity of a coordinator as I am the only full-time staff member overseeing the program and I have four student workers under my supervision. Prior to working at CSUSM, I was at the community college for a little over four years. While at the community college I worked in Outreach and Onboarding. I also had the opportunity to oversee a program initiative geared towards enrolling and retaining men of color at the community college. I was also involved with mentorship programs for Latino/Hispanic students called PUENTE. Prior to the community college, I was a STEAM teacher and intervention specialist for a preparatory academy that closed in 2018. As a STEAM teacher, my job was to expose students to careers in the STEAM field. I was fortunate to have the flexibility to create my own curriculum. As an intervention specialist, I would have 1:1 sessions with troubled youth who required guidance and mentorship in and outside of the classroom. I would say that the top two challenges I faced as an undergraduate were finding my place at CSUSM as a first-generation Latino male and knowing my “Why?” for going to college and getting a four-year degree. Everything started to change for me when I found my people who I could go to for support and self-realizing my reason for being in college after reading an article titled “The Vanishing Latino Male in Higher Education” by Dr. Victor Saenz. It was then that I realized that I was occupying the spaces I was with the intent that the next generation of Latino males could see themselves also occupying these spaces. I do not know that I am much of a motivational speaker but the motivational words that have helped me get to where I am are the following. “Who Am I? What can I do and how can I do it? What will I do today that matters?” A long time friend and mentor of mine who is also a CAMP alumni has grounded me in encouraging me to ask myself these questions on a day to day basis to assist me with my “Why?”.

June
Jacqueline Reyes
- Jacqueline's Autobiography
My name is Jacqueline Reyes and I was born and raised in Fallbrook, California. I am currently a 5th grade dual-immersion teacher. As a bilingual teacher, I teach Spanish language arts, science and social studies in Spanish for half of the day, and English language arts and mathematics in English for the second half of the day. However, my duties go beyond teaching the standards. I have the privilege of fostering a love for learning among my students and giving them the tools they need to be successful. I pride myself in knowing that my colleagues and I are responsible for helping prepare tomorrow’s leaders.
Before officially starting my teaching career, I had the honor of working for CA Mini-Corps throughout all four years of my undergraduate career. It was through this phenomenal program that I got to solidify my love for teaching and get first-hand experience inside of a classroom. Getting to work with migrant students and their families made me feel confident in my desire to join this profession. Additionally, I got to work as a paraprofessional at the high school level. My favorite part about this role was getting to work with migrant students, yet again, and sharing my educational journey as a first-generation student with them, with the hopes of inspiring them to pursue their post-secondary education.
As the first in my family to attend a four-year university, there was a lot that I didn’t know. Being admitted into CSUSM was an accomplishment all on its own, but learning how to navigate college was a separate challenge. I spent a lot of time with my advisors coming up with the best academic plan that aligned with my goals. I also had to quickly learn how to enroll in classes and come up with the best schedule for myself that would also give me the ability to work. I learned about office hours and the need to not be afraid to ask for help and take on new opportunities when they presented themselves. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I had to learn to overcome my imposter syndrome and realize that I was worthy and capable of earning my degree.
College is a wonderful time in your life where you get to discover what you’re passionate about and engulf yourself in so much learning. Even if you’re currently unsure of what you may want to pursue, take advantage of all that your university has to offer. Take classes that appeal to you until you find something that sets your soul on fire. Go to office hours and ask the questions- professors are there because they care and want to see you succeed! Surround yourself with friends who have common goals as you and whom you can rely on. More importantly, lean on your loved ones for support when things feel challenging, because they will be, but you can overcome it! Don’t lose sight of your dreams and goals- the sleepless nights will be worth it. Remember, ¡Sí se puede!
Fall 2024

September
Elizabeth Ortiz
- Elizabeth's Autobiography
My name is Elizabeth Ortiz, and I was born and raised in Fallbrook.
I currently am working at All Star Physical Therapy as a Lead PT Technician and a front desk assistant. As a technician, my job is to assist therapists with patient rehabilitation programs and keep all treatment areas organized. My job as lead is delegating tasks between the technicians and help with the scheduling for the techs, which will allow the therapist to get the help they need. Working as the front desk assistant, I do clerical and customer service work. In the past, I have had the opportunity to work as an AVID tutor at the high school in my hometown, Fallbrook High School. I was also an Academic Advisor for a grant funded program at Palomar College called Educational Talent Search. This work was also catered to support high school students interested in pursuing a higher education. Although helping students was something that I loved doing, I knew that I wanted to work in health care and decided to transition into a position that would help me grow in my career.
One of the many challenges I faced during college was being in a major that did not have much diversity. Being a first-generation student already has its struggles, but being in a major where you are a minority was a bit intimidating at times. Luckily, I was able to find the support students of color within my major who felt the same way and we were able to lean on one another for support. That made our college experience more meaningful.
I would encourage students to step out of their comfort zone. Doing this allowed me to gain skills that I didn’t know I was capable of and become a more confident individual.

October
Lourdes Rojas
- Lourdes' Autobiography
My name is Lourdes Rojas and I was born and raised in a small town located in Guerrero, Mexico. My family and I migrated to the U.S during my late elementary years. Migrating into a different country came with several challenges. However, with the right mindset, preparation and willingness to create a brighter future, I learned that these challenges can be overcomed with the support of the right people and programs. I learned that joining communities like the Migrant program, AVID, and other support groups will ease my transition to college. Towards my end of my high school year, the Migrant program instigated and guided me to join the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). The CAMP program became a key factor in my education career and through them I was also able to find a second family. I also took on a challenge and graduated with two Bachelor’s of Arts Degrees in Political Science Global Concentration and Spanish for the Professions.
After college, I took on a job as a Human Services Specialist for the County of San Diego. As a Human Services Specialist, I performed technical work in determining eligibility for clients who were applying for several categorical forms of public assistance and provided services to members of the public. This journey paved the way to my current career and has impacted my decision to continue accomplishing new milestones. Currently, I am a County Certified Bilingual Social Worker III for the County of San Diego. I perform a wide variety of casework assignments related to disability, aged, social, educational, physical, and psychological dysfunctions. I conduct home-visit assessments in the North County area to prevent out-of-home placements. I have been able to implement previous job experience and knowledge by establishing effective working relationships, exercising appropriate judgment, comprehending and applying laws and regulations, providing resources and referrals to clients.
I am grateful for the support of my family, friends and programs like CAMP. They have taught me to never give up, and to take each challenge as a learning experience. I am proud to work in a job setting where I can support others. An advice I would like to give to the current CAMP students is that it is important to find someone that they trust to support them along their journey. This can be the CAMP program, their family, friends, church community, or someone they trust.

November
Jorge Escobedo
Spring 2025

January
Ashley Bonilla
- Ashley's autobiography
Ashley was born and raised in Encinitas, California. She is currently an evaluation consultant at Intention 2 Impact, where she collaborates with diverse organizations to drive meaningful change. Her portfolio includes work with clients such as the Ted Audacious Project, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, Letters to a Pre-Scientist, and The Moses Taylor Foundation. In this role and along with her colleagues, she conducts evaluations of programs/initiatives and provides strategic recommendations to help organizations maximize their impact.
Before establishing her consulting career, Ashley gained valuable experience as a research assistant, where she managed a large National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. This work was focused on increasing diversity in STEM fields, allowing her to contribute to a larger body of research. Through this work, she developed expertise in project management, data analysis, and other research practices.
Ashley is also a PhD Candidate in Organizational Behavior at Claremont Graduate University (CGU). She combines her academic rigor with practical experience to deepen her understanding of how to amplify marginalized voices. Her research focuses on how connections with others and perceptions of goal mismatch influence whether individuals from underrepresented backgrounds (e.g., Hispanic/Latino/a/x) feel like they belong and identify with STEM fields.During her undergraduate years, Ashley faced several significant challenges that shaped her personal and professional development. One of her biggest obstacles was finding her voice in academic settings. Through persistence and the support of a strong peer network, she gradually developed the confidence to advocate for herself and share her perspectives in professional environments. Additionally, like many first-generation or non-traditional students, Ashley struggled to balance family responsibilities with academic demands. She overcame this challenge by developing strong time management skills and learning to prioritize effectively, strategies that continue to serve her well in her professional life.
Ashley encourages CAMP students to create a support system, emphasizing that success isn’t achieved in isolation, but through meaningful connections. She encourages students to actively seek out mentors and a community of like-minded individuals who can support their academic and professional journey.

February
Juan Duran
- Juan's Autobiography
Hello my name is Juan Duran and I was raised in the town of Fallbrook, California (located in North County San Diego), but I now currently live and work in Redwood City. I am a high school educator at Sequoia High School, a title 1 public school located in the bay area. I am a social studies content teacher, who teaches Ethnic Studies and Government/Economics solely to recently arrived students / Emergent multilingual learners. The majority of my students are mainly from Latin America (such as Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, and Peru to name a few), but I also have the unique opportunity to work with students originally from China, Vietnam, and Jordan. My role as a bilingual teacher working with students who are learning English as a second or third language is to provide accessible and rigorous content while providing a safe space for students to feel comfortable and represented. Lastly, I also teach one section of AVID - a program that provides academic readiness and rigor to 1st gen students pursuing a college degree.
Some of my previous work experiences are very similar to my day in day responsibilities as an educator today. Prior to becoming a full time educator, I was a Mini Corps tutor for four years. The California Mini-Corps Program is a statewide program designed to provide direct instructional services for migrant students in grades K-12. I would recommend anyone who is interested in a career in teaching to tap in with Mini-Corps (they have an office at CSUSM). After Mini Corps, I was a full time substitute at the Fallbrook Union Elementary School District for one year. And last but not least, my first ever job - where I learned some of the most valuable skills and lessons of my life, was working on the fields with my father and brothers. As a young boy and man, I worked many years with my father doing agricultural work such as picking avocados, limons, grapefruit, etc.
To all current CAMP students who are reading this, I hope you remember that your life is valuable and that your life holds a deep purpose. As folks from marginalized backgrounds we must strive everyday to release ourselves from the historical oppression our gente has endured and continues to endure. We do this by breaking generational traumas and by excelling in our lives and by propelling ourselves forward into positions and spaces where people of color have been historically left out. Once you get to those positions and spaces in your life (which you will), do not forget to help the next generation of leaders.