These are the stories of first-generation college students at CCA. We are students, faculty, and staff. We are complex, multifaceted, unique, strong, and an integral part of the CCA community. We are learning, influencing, and guiding along with our communities. Our stories are about vulnerability, pride, struggle, ease, and growth. We share our stories so we will be the first of many to graduate from college and pursue our dreams through a creative education. We share our stories to increase awareness of the first-gen experience and to celebrate the accomplishments of our community.

CCA's 2021 First Annual First Generation College Celebration was held on November 8 and was sponsored by the President's Diversity Steering Group and the Office of the Provost. Logo by Dylan Spangler, Graphic Design.

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Voy a ser artista y el mundo no está preparado.

Bryan Dominguez, Painting + Drawing Major and Undergraduate Advising Assistant

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Be Unafraid in the Face of Ambition!

Nya Serano, Painting + Drawing Major and Student Success Peer Mentor

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Proving Myself

Robin Parks, Illustration Major and Senior Academic Coach

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Wanting to 'be somebody'.

Lynda Grose, Professor, Fashion Design and Critical Studies

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Opening Creative Doors for My First-Gen Students

Anthea Black, Assistant Professor Printmedia

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I Knew I Was First-Gen When...

Maxwell Leung, Associate Professor Critical Studies and Critical Ethnic Studies

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Be Persistent

Suzanne Greva, Vice President of Finance, Accounting and Business Services

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I was pretty sure I didn't belong in Art School

Helen Maria Nugent, Dean of Design

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Echale Ganas

Yesenia Aguilar, CCA Alum, Individualized 2019

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Use Every Resource You Can

Leonard Crosby, CCA Alum, MFA Creative Writing, Fiction

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Second Act

Rosa De Anda, CCA Alum, MFA Creative Writing, Fiction 2018

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We are here.

Tammy Rae Carland - Provost and Faculty Member

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Building Resilience in College through Mentorship

Bianca Ramos, Assistant Director of Student Success

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The Courage to Join: The Building Blocks of Self-Confidence and Discovery

Nancy Matsukawa, Advisor for Cultural Engagement / International Student Success

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The Story I was Never Told

Jeremy Khuth, Director of Residential Education

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Never Supposed To Get This Far

Niko Bellott, Senior Director, Grants, Partnerships & Engagement

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Make the Most of your Time at CCA

George Luis Sedano (he / him / él) - Vice President for Student Affairs

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Her Dream

Fonda Yoshimoto-Reed - Director of Student Success

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