Jocelyn De Santiago

Being a first-generation student, I had to figure out how to apply for college and file for financial aid and it was hard since I had to try to translate everything to my mom in Spanish. At the time I didn’t know how to advocate for myself and had missed the opportunity to explore the resources that Mesa offers. This is why I decided to be a Pathways Fellow. I wanted to be the voice of the students who are navigating this next chapter of their lives with no prior experience. Students who don’t know what they want to major in but know that college is the place to start. I want to make sure students are included in important meetings that shape our programs and communities we are trying to create.

Now I’ve been a Mesa student for a very long time and I’m still figuring out what I want to pursue and that’s okay. Being a Fellow has opened my eyes to a career I didn’t think I would be good at but have been told otherwise. I hope to learn as much as I can through this opportunity and use this for the journey ahead.  

Contact me at: jdesantiago@sdccd.edu