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Laura participated in Reality Changers during the 2013-2014 school year, when she was a senior at Ocean View Christian Academy.
After graduating from high school, Laura attended San Diego City College where she obtained her Associates in Psychology. She transferred to UC Irvine in 2017 and graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a minor in Psychology.
During her time in school, Laura received the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a US State Department scholarship for studying abroad. Additionally, she became a UC Irvine Research Fellow and created a transborder research project with students from both sides of the US-Mexico border.
“Reality Changers supported me throughout my senior year in high school to now. The organization’s resources and staff have been the reason I was able to graduate from college and continue on route to participating in post-graduate programs and even a master’s degree. I attribute my success in college to this amazing organization and its staff.“
Today, Laura works in Social Media Marketing and Communications for Ana Luisa Guluarte Castro, a political candidate in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. She continues to stay engaged with the Reality Changers Alumni Network and access Alumni Network resources.
“Reality Changers has been invaluable in my professional development. The mentors I acquired from this organization always had the time to listen and aid me with anything in my academic and personal life. I am extremely grateful to belong in an organization that wholeheartedly cares for first-generation college students and caters all services to ensure their success.”
Laura is grateful to have been a part of Reality Changers’ 20-year legacy. She believes that is it important for the organization to continue serving students like her.
“Reality Changers brings positive changes for participants. It is inspiring to see students transform into who they want to become. I believe that continuing this legacy is essential, creating social change through education and bridging gaps between high school and college. With Reality Changers’ support, many students will excel in their studies and become agents of change.”
You can help continue this legacy of creating positive change. Make a donation today to support programs that support college-bound seniors, college students, and new professionals from high school to career.
Laura’s responses have been edited for clarity.
