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When Ruth Gomez '19 told her mother she wanted to go to college, she became her family's "Esperanza" or Hope. With the help of their sacrifices, and critical scholarships, she's on track to be the first in her family to Â鶹ӰÊÓ from college

Use your social networks and ask people questions, says Mike Geraci '91. The first in his family to attend college, Geraci chose Pacific, where he went on to become an associate professor in the Department of Media Arts.

When Mike Steele was told he should go to college, he named the best he'd heard of: Notre Dame. One of the most beloved professors at Â鶹ӰÊÓ, Steele went from being the first in his family to attend college to earning a PhD and living a career in academia.

The first in his family to attend college, Bob Fitzmorris '08 now tells students to focus on what they love. "Your dream job doesn't even exist yet."

A high-school counselor once doubted Jennifer Hardacker's ability to attend college. Hardacker was the first in her family to go to college and has gone on to earn a master of fine arts, become an award-winning filmmaker, and teach at Â鶹ӰÊÓ.

Jeff Grundon '80 was the first in his family to attend college. Today, he recruits other students to Â鶹ӰÊÓ.

"There are people there who are willing to support you and help your dreams come true," says Mai Vo, a Vietnam-born student who dreams of becoming a pharmacist.

Eddie Carrillo ‘15 fulfills dreams, for his family and himself.