We are First-Gen @ CCA
![First_Gen_CCA_Teal](https://storage.googleapis.com/portal-p-althea-qa-01/images/FirstGenTealFull.width-565.png)
These are the stories of first-generation college students at CCA. We are students, faculty, and staff. We are complex, multifaceted, unique, strong, and an integral part of the CCA community. We are learning, influencing, and guiding along with our communities. Our stories are about vulnerability, pride, struggle, ease, and growth. We share our stories so we will be the first of many to graduate from college and pursue our dreams through a creative education. We share our stories to increase awareness of the first-gen experience and to celebrate the accomplishments of our community.
CCA's 2021 First Annual First Generation College Celebration was held on November 8 and was sponsored by the President's Diversity Steering Group and the Office of the Provost. Logo by Dylan Spangler, Graphic Design.
Click here to share your story or show your support!
Voy a ser artista y el mundo no está preparado.
Bryan Dominguez, Painting + Drawing Major and Undergraduate Advising Assistant
Be Unafraid in the Face of Ambition!
Nya Serano, Painting + Drawing Major and Student Success Peer Mentor
Proving Myself
Robin Parks, Illustration Major and Senior Academic Coach
Wanting to 'be somebody'.
Lynda Grose, Professor, Fashion Design and Critical Studies
Opening Creative Doors for My First-Gen Students
Anthea Black, Assistant Professor Printmedia
![Maxwell in a soft yellow tie, light grey vest, and light grey-blue button down shirt, smiling in front of an art piece.](https://storage.googleapis.com/portal-p-althea-qa-01/images/Leung_-_First-Gen_-_Maxwell_Leung_Ph.D..width-565.jpg)
I Knew I Was First-Gen When...
Maxwell Leung, Associate Professor Critical Studies and Critical Ethnic Studies
![Suzanne is in a navy blue blazer with a white shirt, red lipstick, glasses, and long brown hair in front of a yellow building with red windows.](https://storage.googleapis.com/portal-p-althea-qa-01/images/5E5F7C60-F2ED-4C2D-855D-05CC6B02910A_-_Suzanne.width-565.jpg)
Be Persistent
Suzanne Greva, Vice President of Finance, Accounting and Business Services
![Helen Maria is shown in black & white looking to the right smiling wearing glasses with dark, curly hair. She is wearing a dark scoop-neck t-shirt with a small, thin necklace with a circle charm.](https://storage.googleapis.com/portal-p-althea-qa-01/images/160313_SAIC_Headshots_9023_-_Helen_Maria_Nugen.width-565.jpg)
I was pretty sure I didn't belong in Art School
Helen Maria Nugent, Dean of Design
Use Every Resource You Can
Leonard Crosby, CCA Alum, MFA Creative Writing, Fiction
Second Act
Rosa De Anda, CCA Alum, MFA Creative Writing, Fiction 2018
Building Resilience in College through Mentorship
Bianca Ramos, Assistant Director of Student Success
The Courage to Join: The Building Blocks of Self-Confidence and Discovery
Nancy Matsukawa, Advisor for Cultural Engagement / International Student Success
The Story I was Never Told
Jeremy Khuth, Director of Residential Education
Never Supposed To Get This Far
Niko Bellott, Senior Director, Grants, Partnerships & Engagement
Make the Most of your Time at CCA
George Luis Sedano (he / him / él) - Vice President for Student Affairs