As a Latina and First-generation College Student: Going the Extra Mile Matters

Posted February 8, 2019
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I was born and raised in East Los Angeles. I have lived here my entire life. Living in my community,  I grew up wondering how can a person like me can grow up to become a doctor or even a lawyer. What would I have to do to achieve the American Dream?

I was born and raised in East Los Angeles. I have lived here my entire life. Living in my community,  I grew up wondering how can a person like me can grow up to become a doctor or even a lawyer. What would I have to do to achieve the American Dream?

I was born and raised in East Los Angeles. I have lived here my entire life. Living in my community,  I grew up wondering how can a person like me can grow up to become a doctor or even a lawyer. What would I have to do to achieve the American Dream?

As I navigated college life and became exposed to different issues, I realized I cared about many social issues. I decided I wanted to become a public servant. But how would I even start? I had to look for opportunities in my community to get career exposure.

My fellow hermanos and hermanas (peers) and I have to be extra persistent and determined to get these opportunities. We have to be fighters and go more than the extra mile to even have a chance. Young adults of color and underserved communities should not have to fight harder than others to get exposure to internships or career-enhancing programs that others have easier access to.

 

Marlen Millan-Osuna is a political science and global politics student at California State University in Los Angeles. She’s passionate about public service and advocacy work, which have become an important part of her life since she decided to pursue a career in public service. She’s worked with the Los Angeles City Council, interned at Los Angeles City Hall and participated in youth advocacy programs including Young Invincibles’ Young Advocates program in California. Marlen plans to continue bringing attention to issues that affect young adults and work with lawmakers to effectively address these issues.