First-gen student appreciates support CSUMB provides

By Mark Muckenfuss

Jose de Jesus Lopez Cruz was initially worried about coming to Cal State Monterey Bay. As a first-generation college student, he wasn’t sure he knew what to do.

“It was a scary feeling,” said the Watsonville native majoring in cinematic arts and technology. “I basically had to learn everything on my own.”

Half of CSUMB’s student population identifies as first-generation. In fact, its current interim president, Carlos Vargas, is also a first-gen student. This week is First-Gen Week, which recognizes the special hurdles that portion of the student population faces. 

“As a first-generation student myself, I know how a college degree impacts the lives of students and their families,” Vargas said. “I believe it must be our highest priority to ensure each student persists to graduation so they gain the advantages that come with completing a degree. As an institution where half our students are the first in their families to attend college, it is essential that we offer services that help our students chart new pathways such as mentorship, advising, tutoring and other resources that keep them moving forward."

Cruz said his parents didn’t really consider the possibility of their oldest child attending college. Both Mexican immigrants, they never had the opportunity to finish high school. Once Cruz hit that stage in his education, they expected him to go to work. 

“They were intimidated by the fact that they thought it was super expensive,” Cruz said. 

Federal aid and help from Pay it Forward, a First Tee program made his dream possible. Pay it Forward offers local students from underserved communities a scholarship of $2,500 per semester for four years.

“When I was in high school,” he said, “they told us a lot about the film department at CSUMB, and that made me want to come here. The people that I met, they encouraged me and told me I had potential.”

Even before graduating high school, he became a board member for the Watsonville Film Festival. It was an initial step toward his ultimate goal. 

“I really want to be a director one day,” he said. “A well-known director.”

As a second-year student, he has benefited greatly from first-gen programs. With Pay it Forward, Cruz not only receives scholarship support but is also paired with a mentor. He has a second mentor he works with as part of the Educational Opportunity Program. Those relationships, he said, are an important resource not only for guidance, but for networking. 

“It's a really good support that I have access to,” Cruz said. “I meet with my mentor AJ [Organista, with Pay it Forward] monthly. It’s really nice to talk to someone who wants to know how you're doing. He sent me a link for internships with Disney because he has a connection there. He’s always talking to people who can network with me.”

For his part, Cruz serves as a mentor to a high school student through Pay it Forward and contributes in other ways as well. 

“When I can, I volunteer with them,” he said. “In two weeks, there is going to be a half marathon in Big Sur, and I’m going to go volunteer.”

Cruz said he’s not sure he would be doing as well as a student without the support he’s received, including from his parents. 

“They made the first step by making their way to this country, seeking a better future,” he said. “It’s amazing I’ve made it this far,” he said. “I feel if I didn’t have EOP or Pay it Forward, I would have been in harder situations without their help. It’s helped me tons.”

He hopes other first-generation students will take advantage of similar offerings. 

“If you feel stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he said. “The resources are there for you to be successful.”