SAN MARCOS, Calif. — Palomar College serves more than 25,000 students a year. In the academic year of 2021-2022, staff said about 40 percent of students attending were first generation.
“They really feel the pressure to succeed but at the same time they don't have, they can't go to their families to ask what types of resources they need,” Trio Support Services Program Project Director Riham Shenouda said.
First generation students face several challenges in their journey to further their education including language, guidance and financial barriers. TRIO SSS offers resources like tutoring, advising and textbook support.
“We create a safe space for them to come and let us know what their going through what barriers they are going through so that we can really connect them to both resources here at Palomar College but also resources available all around the community,” Shenouda said.
TRIO SSS is one of several programs available for students on campus, its committed to help students reach their goals through their services.
“To feel a homebase here at Palomar College to know that there’s staff to support them along the way, to hold their hand as they graduate,” Shenouda said.
The program helps students like Yaneth Diaz, she was born and raised in Vista. Her parents immigrated from Oaxaca, Mexico about 22 years ago. Now, she’s navigating her way to be the first in her family to graduate college.
“I always pictured myself going to college, I always loved school … I really loved reading,” Diaz said.
Her parents came to the U.S with elementary education which made an impact in her life growing up.
“They would help us out with our elementary school homework but after that they couldn't really help with much and the language barrier was really there,” Diaz said.
It’s a challenge she’s learned to overcome while pursuing a higher education. With her family’s support, she hopes to become a stepping stone for the next generation.
"I really like that they're proud of me, it makes me very happy that I'm able to help my younger sibling or my cousins that I'm able to help them out if they do need anything in the future,” Diaz said.
For now, Yaneth is focused on completing her requirements at Palomar College and transferring to a university, she hopes to one day become a librarian.
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