Choosing where to attend college can be a tough decision. Ashley Flores-Gonzalez, however, knew she wanted to attend AACC before she even got out of elementary school.
“What started me at AACC is how I am the first generation in my family to graduate from high school,” she said. “And since I was little, I was like, ‘I want to go to AACC.’ Even though this is when I was 7 years old, I was like, ‘Don't know what I'm going to do, don't know what I'm going to major, but I'm going to go to a community college.’”
As she got a little older, she found direction when it came to what to study. She saw injustice in her Hispanic community and wanted to become an advocate. Teachers told her she had a voice that she needed to use. Flores-Gonzalez heard that AACC had a strong paralegal program, which helped seal the deal on her decision to enroll. She plans to attend law school and become an immigration lawyer at her own law firm.
At AACC, Flores-Gonzalez has developed her leadership and advocacy skills in preparation for her future career. She served as president of the Latinx Club, which she learned about while participating in AACC’s Bridge to Success program.
“I think just what I really like is how it’s just us as first-gen students … and other people, like non-Hispanic, but they want to join in the club and get involved. They want to try to speak Spanish and everything. ... It’s really a good opportunity,” she shared.
She also participated in Advocacy Day, where she met local lawmakers to discuss the importance of funding community colleges. “It was literally the most amazing opportunity that I can attend to,” she said.
To stay motivated despite a busy schedule, Flores-Gonzalez thinks about her family. grounded in her purpose and family support.
“They're my motivation. I'm like, "Okay, I'm doing this not only for me, but also for them, for my brother." So, I want to show them, like, it is hard, but you'll get through there.”