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Cal Poly First-Gen Staff & Administrators
Are you First-Gen?
Staff and Administrators
Dr. Jeffrey Armstrong (he/him)
President, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Degree(s) Earned
Ph.D. in Physiology
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Work hard and stay true to your values.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
I am grateful for the many doors education has opened for my family. A college education not only transforms the individual but also changes generations that follow. Our two children attended college and we expect all our grandchildren and beyond to attend college as well.
Dr. Jamie Patton (he/him)
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion
Degree(s) Earned
Ed.D. Higher Education Leadership
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Get involved and create a network to support you. Your family loves you, but sometimes your family will not understand your experiences as a student. Keep your family close, but also make this your home! You belong here! Your network should include one faculty member, an upperclass student, a peer and one administrator. These individuals will help you to navigate college and will be your champions of success.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
My experience as a first-generation college student has allowed me to push boundaries and expectations. My experiences, on all three levels, feeds my passion to be sure that students and their supporters know about the resources that are available and know they have some that will help when needed.
Delfina Medina
Assistant Director of financial aid & Scholarships
Degree(s) Earned
B.S. Social Science, Organizations Concentration
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Be proactive from the beginning, join clubs & organizations where you can meet other students that share your interests. Don't be afraid to ask questions! Email, schedule virtual appointments, meet your college Department and Dean.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
I thought I came to CP prepared, but I quickly realized I had a lot to learn in order to navigate my academic life. Deadlines, forms, rules, in addition to class work.
Dr. Beya Makekau (she/her/hers)
Associate Vice President for Strategic Planning & Networks and Senior Diversity Officer
Degree(s) Earned
Ed.D., Educational Leadership & Administration, Fresno State University; M.A., Ethnic Studies, San Francisco State University; B.A., Ethnic Studies, Minor in English and Spanish, University of Oregon
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
There may not be a roadmap for you that can guide you through every uncertain turn but you can do this. You are resilient, worthy, and capable. Don't be afraid to ask questions, say what you need, and be aware that the new experiences and language you are learning does not separate you from those you love most but instead serves as a bridge to new worlds for all of you. Always remember you are here with purpose, on purpose.
Dawin Whiten (he/him)
Cal Poly Scholars Lead Advisor
Degree(s) Earned
MA in Kinesiology – Sport Management
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Take advantage of the resources, faculty, and staff available to you at Cal Poly to help you with your academics and your transition into and out of Cal Poly into the world beyond.
There are many people at Cal Poly who identify as first-generation. Open yourself up to guidance and support from faculty and staff as you navigate your way through Cal Poly.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
I had a strong relationship with my athletic academic advisor who helped me navigate changing majors and getting tutoring when I struggled with my classes. He was also someone I could go to to talk about personal challenges I was having and offered campus resources to help me overcome them.
Juliette Duke (she/her)
Senior Director University Housing/Director of Residential Student Experience
Degree(s) Earned
Masters of Education, College Student Affairs
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Don't be afraid to ask for help and do your best to make connections at Cal Poly. Everyone's goal is to help you to graduate and be successful at and after Cal Poly. There are a lot of resources (academic and non-academic) on campus to help students to be successful. Find and take advantage of all of them. These include free tutoring, writing center, academic advisors, etc.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
I didn't have a lot of guidance in my college application and in my first year. I decided to take advantage of the many opportunities on campus. Those experiences helped me to feel connected to my University and to want to provide the same experience for students. It lead me to my current career path as I believe everyone should have the ability to attend college and have a successful experience.
Tatiana Mendoza
Financial Aid Counselor
Degree(s) Earned
BS in Economics
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Believe that you are meant to be here! You belong here. Try to find a community with whom you connect. Try out one of the many clubs on campus. If you are struggling, connect with faculty or staff so we can help you navigate your college journey.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
As a first-generation college student I didn’t always know the answers, nor did my parents. As a Financial Aid Counselor, my goal is to be there for students who are going through a similar college experience as mine. My hope is that I can help make the college experience a bit easier to navigate for other students.
Jamie O'Kane
Administrative Support Assistant, Architectural Engineering
Degree(s) Earned
BS in Environmental Earth Science
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Find mentors who inspire you and friends who share your drive for success. Remember that college isn't about remembering everything you learn- it's about teaching yourself how to learn.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
In addition to being a first-gen college student, I was also a student parent and a transfer student. My child was only 1 month old when my Cal Poly acceptance letter came in the mail. Setting an example for my son drove my work ethic to the next level. Being a student parent was amazing and held a unique set of challenges but also opportunities. There are so many resources and scholarships out there for you if you are a student parent. I am happy to have a chat over a cup of coffee with any student parent to swap stories, laughter and/or tears!
Alicia Cruz
Academic Advisor, Mustang Success Center
Degree(s) Earned
MS in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
My advice for a first-generation college student at Cal Poly is to always remember where you come from, value the good and bad experiences you have faced because these make you strong and wise, and envision yourself achieving your dreams and aspirations in life. When you face challenges, remember there is a whole community of students, staff, and faculty who are rooting for you and want to see you succeed. When things get rough, don't be afraid to reach out for help and take time for yourself. Self-care is so important - whether it is doing something for yourself physically, mentally, or emotionally; it is okay to slow down. I hope that college is everything you hoped it would be and it pushes you a bit out of your comfort zone, because that is were growth comes from. Most importantly, your experiences are valid, and you belong at Cal Poly!
Nury Baltierrez
Educational Opportunity Program Counselor
Degree(s) Earned
MA in Counseling & Guidance in Higher Education/Student Affairs
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
College can be scary and exciting all at the same time. Utilize campus resources, get involved, step out of your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid, embarrassed, or ashamed to reach out for help. We all are here to support you! Know that you worked hard to get to where you are at and own it! Don’t doubt yourself, you belong here.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
My family was always supportive of my decision to go to college, but as supportive as they were, they couldn’t share their knowledge on how to navigate a campus. They didn’t understand my challenges or successes and often times I felt a lot of pressure to succeed because I was the first to go to college so failing or dropping out was not an option. I realized I couldn’t navigate college alone so I joined clubs that aligned with my interests, went to office hours, and connected with mentors. Once I found my community, I felt connected to the campus and a greater sense of belonging.
Lindsay Lacey
Academic Advisor, Mustang Success Center
Degree(s) Earned
MA in Higher Education, Counseling and Guidance
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Ask ALL the questions. Even the ones that feel silly, even the ones that you think you "should" know the answer to. Ask your professors, your department, your advisors, your counselors, your peers. It can feel intimidating, and may feel like you're "showing your cards." But you can save yourself from so much struggle just by asking the questions... you don't have to figure it all out on your own!!!
Susana Garcia
Catering Sales Coordinator
Degree(s) Earned
B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Keep at it and never stop learning.
Identifying as a first-gen or minority should never stop you from doing your best. If anything, it's one more thing to add to your list of super powers.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
Growing up in a traditional Mexican household, I faced many challenges with convincing my parents to support my move out of our small town to attend college in the Bay Area. However, growing up in a Latino based community helped assimilate into the various cultures that live in the Bay Area. None of it was a culture shock. I loved every second of living in an area where as a Mexicana, I was not the only minority.
Moncerratt Peralta
Digital Media Specialist, College of Engineeering
Degree(s) Earned
M.S. Instructional Science & Technology
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
You're not alone. Connect with peers who have similar goals, and support each other.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people from all walks of life, many of whom I consider to be my mentors and life-long friends.
Rachel Smith
Student Conduct Investigator
Degree(s) Earned
MA in Education, Counseling and Guidance/Higher Education & Student Affairs
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
You are worthy and you deserve to be at Cal Poly! Imposter syndrome is real but always remember you matter and that Cal Poly is a better place because you're here.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
My experience as a first-generation college student impacted my career trajectory. I decided to pursue a career in Higher Education to help other first-generation college students navigate college for the first time. The support I received from faculty and staff was immeasurable and I wanted to provide the same for students.
Maria Zavala
Academic Advisor, Engineering Student Services
Degree(s) Earned
MA in Education Leadership and Administration
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Don't be afraid to ask for help! Build a support group for yourself that includes, faculty, staff, peers of all levels and majors, that way you have someone to go to for help when needed in area personal or academic. The quarter system goes by very fast, use time management wisely, make sure you familiarize yourself with campus resources. Lastly, be kind to yourself, get plenty of sleep, take breaks, have snacks. We all want to see you succeed!
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
Being a first-generation student taught me that I have to work hard to accomplish my tasks. It gave me the strength, motivation and resilience to keep going even after you experience setbacks. It has also taught me to reach out to others for help. I developed great friendships and have had some really wonderful mentors who helped shape my path and provided guidance and mentorship when I needed it. I continue to use these skills as a working professional today.
Robyn Kontra Tanner
Senior Storyteller, University Communications & Marketing
Degree(s) Earned
BS in Journalism
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
You have earned the right to be here at Cal Poly. Take up space in our campus community - you are who this university is made to serve. Leverage any and every resource Cal Poly has to move yourself in the direction of your goals. Keep going!
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
It was difficult not having family members really understand how much work it takes to complete your degree. I was a student athlete as well, and it was a whole new level of work ethic and focus. It could feel a little isolating not being able to relate to my parents about what it was like. And I was terrified of making any mistakes academically. But that made me connect with my peers a lot more and develop confidence in myself as an individual.
Julia Jones
Administrative Support Coordinator, Kinesiology & Public Health Department
Degree(s) Earned
BS in Business Administration
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Keep going! The first year of college was extremely hard for me. I didn't have good study skills, I missed my family and friends and I wanted to change schools to be closer to them. Once I found balance between studying, self-care, working and friendship, I was able to thrive. I even had the opportunity to study abroad and graduated a semester early! If I could do it, I know you can too.
Sandy Jimenez
Academic Advisor, mustang Success center
Degree(s) Earned
MA in Postsecondary Educational Leadership and Student Affairs
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Sometimes, things will not make sense, people will not be nice, and life will feel out of place, but you BELONG and are NEVER alone. Find your people and your community and work hard to live freely and authentically. Shine in your own light and don't ever let people overshadow your presence and potential. You matter!
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
Being a first-gen student, I often times did not know what to do, who to go to for support, or how to stay engaged. I struggled to make meaning out of my education and struggled to find my community. However, being a first-gen student also taught me a lot about myself and my potential. This identity gave me the self-awareness that I have now and built up my resilience.
Luna Larsen
Administrative Support Coordinator, Liberal Arts & Engineering Studies Program
Degree(s) Earned
MA in English
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
Do not be afraid (or ashamed) to ask for help! College is a very different world, both academically and socially/emotionally, and doing it on your own without family members who have experienced it and have advice for you, is difficult. Make sure you know about all the resources and support services that are available to you, and be sure to use them whenever you need to. Succeeding in college is a group effort, and there are many people on-campus that would love to help you. Remember, be courageous, be confident, and be smart enough to know when to ask for help.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
It made me realize I was stronger and more intelligent than I ever gave myself credit for. Unfortunately, I did not ask for help when I needed it, and trying to do everything on my own had a negative impact on my mental health. That is why I have dedicated my professional life to helping other first-generation, underrepresented college students succeed in college and beyond.
Drexler Alcantara (he/him)
Educational Opportunity Program Counselor, Student academic services
Degree(s) Earned
MS Counseling - Student Affairs
What advice would you share with a first-generation college student at Cal Poly?
It's okay to not have everything figured out right now. Get out of your comfort zone, connect with others, utilize the resources Cal Poly has to offer, and embrace the journey.
How did your experience as a first-generation college student impact you?
As a first-generation student, I took advantage of opportunities that I did not have back home. By doing so, it allowed me to connect with others, expand my network, enhance my personal and professional skills, and ultimately led me to discover my passion.
