In this episode of Dreaming Big, Working Hard, host David Alvarez sits down with three incredible first-generation college students from Southwestern College in San Diego. Hear their real stories of resilience, hope, and community as they navigate higher education — from immigrant beginnings and foster care to transferring to top universities like UC San Diego and San Francisco State.

Discover how mentorship, community college programs like EOPS, Guardian Scholars, and First Year Experience (FYE) helped them overcome fear, financial hardship, and self-doubt to achieve success.

David also sits down with Southwestern College President Dr. Mark Sanchez to explore how rising housing costs are pushing U.S. students to seek opportunities in Mexico. Learn about innovative binational education programs, affordable tuition options, and how Southwestern College is breaking down barriers for students on both sides of the border.

Subscribe for more conversations about education, opportunity, and what it really means to dream big and work hard.

Here some notable moments from the show:

00:00 – 00:00:27 | Opening Reflection — Overcoming the Odds

00:00:38 – 00:01:04 | Host Introduction — Welcome to “Dreaming Big, Working Hard”

00:01:04 – 00:02:05 | Why First-Gen Stories Still Matter

00:02:05 – 00:02:24 | Meet the Guests

00:02:24 – 00:05:15 | Jose’s Journey — From Tijuana to UC San Diego

00:05:15 – 00:06:23 | Building a Supportive College Community

00:06:23 – 00:07:04 | Mentorship and Guidance — Finding the Right Path

00:07:04 – 00:08:44 | Oscar’s Story — Balancing Online Learning and Double Majors

00:08:44 – 00:09:06 | Introducing Hosea — The Foster Youth Perspective

00:09:06 – 00:10:33 | Finding Purpose Through Adversity

00:10:33 – 00:11:11 | The Power of Mentorship and Pivotal Moments

00:11:11 – 00:17:18 | The “Click” Moment — Deciding to Go to College

00:17:18 – 00:20:29 | Oscar’s Turning Point — Inspired by Teachers and Parents

00:20:29 – 00:22:02 | Diana’s Motivation — From Fear to Ambition

00:22:02 – 00:24:07 | Challenges of Today’s Students

00:24:07 – 00:27:06 | Support Systems That Make a Difference

00:27:06 – 00:30:27 | Giving Back Through Mentorship

00:30:27 – 00:36:59 | Hosea’s Story — Finding Faith and Opportunity

00:36:59 – 00:38:58 | Investing in Students — Why Programs Matter

00:38:58 – 00:39:56 | Final Thoughts — Hope, Gratitude, and Paying It Forward

00:39:56 – 00:40:04 | Break Time

00:52:49 – 00:53:27 | Closing Message from David Alvarez

00:53:27 – 00:53:55 | Outro & Credits

39:15 – Outro & Call to Action: Dream Big, Work Hard

HASHTAGS:

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