Tanya Castellanos is a 2019 Reality Changers program graduate. She is currently a sophomore at California State University San Marcos.
What are you looking forward to in school this year?
What I am looking forward to in school this year is expanding my knowledge on the topic of Biology. I enjoy understanding the natural world around me and learn how cells function in the human body.
What support systems are you leaning on or creating for yourself to persevere (keep going) this year?
The support system that I am leaning on for myself to preserve this year is my family and the Educational Opportunity Program at my University. My family will support me in the emotional aspect, while the Educational Opportunity Program will guide me on the academic decision I need to make in my studies.
What is one thing you hope to learn or experience at Reality Changers this year?
A key element that I hope to experience at Reality Changers this year is to connect with other undergraduate students and share our knowledge. Not only share the knowledge we have but also be able to discover other students that have the same background story of the American dream.
How does your Reality Changers family make you more confident in your strengths?
The Reality Changers family makes me more confident in my strengths of not being ashamed of coming from a low-income family and being a first-generation college student. My family’s income status is not a topic I dwell on. On the contrary, the Reality Changers family gives me the strength to be proud of who I am.
How is Reality Changers helping you navigate change as you go back to school?
Reality Changers has helped me navigate change as I go back to school in a virtual environment. Some important guides that I received are to have a dedicated location in my household to do homework and develop a schedule to have productive days . Having a designated workspace and constructing productive days will help me start off with a successful semester.
Make a gift today to support alumni like Tanya along their college journey.