Posted: October 31, 2024Written by: Ritchie Bermudez

San Luis Obispo, CA – Cuesta College invites the community to join a special celebration honoring the achievements of its first-generation college students, faculty, and staff on November 5th and 6th. Organized by the Office of Student Equity and Success, this year’s celebration events will shine a spotlight on first-generation student parents who are making strides toward their educational goals while setting inspiring examples for their families.

“My kids keep me motivated – they are my everything,” said Cuesta College student Zuleima Gonzalez Perez. “Last semester, they saw that I got a Certificate of Achievement, and they got to see me at graduation. Seeing their faces and mom getting her work done and achieving her goals keeps me going.”

2024 First-Generation Cuesta College Celebration Events:

  • Inspiring Poetry Experience In partnership with Student Life & Leadership, Cuesta College will host a poetry event celebrating resilience.
    • Tue, Nov. 5 | Noon to 2:00 p.m. | North County Campus Library (N3100) 
    • Wed, Nov. 6 | noon to 2:00 p.m. | SLO Campus Student Success Center (3300/3400)
  • Campus Adventure This family-friendly event engages student parents and their loved ones in a vibrant, hands-on experience of college life. Attendees of all ages can explore various areas of study, enjoy child-friendly food and beverages, and snap a photo with Cuesta’s mascot Cougie!
    • Tue, Nov. 5 | 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. | North County Campus Library (N3100)
    • Wed, Nov. 6 | 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. | SLO Campus Student Success Center (3300/3400)

This celebration marks Cuesta College’s second annual event dedicated to first-generation students. By focusing on the unique achievements and challenges of student parents, the college aims to highlight the determination and resilience required to balance academics and family responsibilities. This year’s events are particularly timely, as they follow the recent passage of Assembly Bill 2458, which now includes childcare costs in the financial aid calculations for student parents, offering critical financial support to help them succeed. 

For more information on first-generation college celebrations, please visit bit.ly/firstgennaspa. For specific inquiries, contact Elise Caloca at elise_caloca@cuesta.edu or Lucy Rodriguez at lucero_rodriguez@cuesta.edu.

PHOTO: Cuesta College student Ruby Hernandez (right) with her daughter (center) and mother (left).