Cesar’s Story: from Student to Alumni, and Volunteer

Cesar Zamora is a member of the Associate Board at First Graduate, proudly living its mission to help students become first-generation college graduates. He has volunteered as a tutor and advisor to students completing their high school applications. His current role includes leading the FG alumni committee, with the objective to build a community of open communication and networking.

Cesar is himself an alumnus. “I vividly remember when Anthony, who is a former FG employee, came to my math class and presented the word ‘college,’ and I was sold,” he says. Cesar’s family had emigrated from Latin America when he was a child, and whatever hurdles had existed in achieving a higher education dissipated on that day in class. FG would counsel him in the ensuing years on both financial and academic matters, bolstering him to fulfill his greatest potential as a student. Of the 23 colleges he applied to, he was accepted by 18. 

Now Cesar is a role model of hope and tenacity. Among the students whose lives he has touched in his one year as an FG Associate Board member are two nephews and a sister currently in the 10th grade. “I can help other people to see the light at the end of the tunnel and that’s something that I truly enjoy,” says Cesar. “I can see how my story resonates with so many people.”

Author: Rafaelito Sy

Read this story and much more by following us in social media

 

Stay Connected

More Updates

Be a Voice Against Hate

At First Graduate, we decry anti-Semitism and Islamophobia at our schools, college campuses, and in our communities. Our organization centers around providing access to quality education for everyone. We must stand with all who acknowledge and respect the humanity in each of us. We are one species. In this divisive moment, we implore you to