How Identity Has Influenced a Program Coordinator at Mt San Antonio College's Career
As a first-generation Latina, Yolanda's career path was shaped by "being open-minded" and "never afraid to try new things," despite the challenges of being away from family and the need to constantly build new communities. This journey, fueled by a drive to "aim higher and higher," involved leveraging available opportunities and finding the courage to "break boundaries" and "own [their] path," ultimately highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-belief in navigating a professional journey.
Overcoming Challenges, First-generation College Student, Latinx in STEM, Career Development, Resilience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Yolanda Haro
Program Coordinador
Mt. San Antonio College
UCLA 1990
SIT, Master’s degree
Political Science, American Studies
Education
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Yolanda's journey as a first-generation Latina professional highlights the importance of open-mindedness, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
2. She emphasizes the significance of pursuing higher education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, and encourages aiming for even greater achievements.
3. Yolanda stresses the importance of self-belief, perseverance, and overcoming criticism to achieve career goals, advising to 'own your path' and adapt along the way
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a first-generation Latina, how has that impacted how you navigate your career?
To begin, as a first-generation individual, whose parents did not go to college, were not professionals, and were part of the working class, navigating my career required me to be very open-minded. I always stayed curious about learning and moving forward, never afraid to try new things.
This comes with a cost. Being away from family, you can feel vulnerable and lonely. You have to build community every time you move.
However, being first-generation and Latina means there are opportunities out there. You can get scholarships and loans if you don't have the money. I believe we need to pursue our dreams.
A bachelor's degree is one level, and pursuing a master's degree is another. I think we should aim higher and higher. For those who want to go even further, to law school, medical school, accounting, or whatever it may be, I encourage you not to be afraid.
Finding the courage within ourselves, breaking boundaries, and being a trailblazer is key. Don't listen to criticisms from people who might resent your success. Truly honor yourself.
No path is the same, but you have to own your path and work at it, adjusting as you go. And pray a lot.
Advizer Personal Links
Impactoleadership.com