My family did not talk about college. No one went to college. I was the first one to go and the first one to graduate. It was something that was not talked about or thought of. I was kicked out at 16 and worked two jobs. I had a few teachers that were encouraging to me. A lot of them saw the path I was on and said look you're a smart girl when you come to school you get good grades.

Alisha Valenzuela