Yadira Perez: A Story of Resilience and Determination Inspiring First-Generation College Students

Riverside City College (RCC) proudly highlights the inspiring journey of Yadira Perez, a dedicated advocate for first-generation students whose story of resilience and determination serves as a beacon of hope for current RCC students. From her humble beginnings to achieving both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, Perez’s commitment to higher education was motivated by a desire to improve the future for generations to come and break barriers as the first Latina woman in her family to achieve these educational milestones.

Perez’s educational path began at Mt. San Antonio College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences. She then transferred to CSU Los Angeles, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Chicano Studies, followed by a Master of Science in College Counseling and Student Development from Azusa Pacific University. Despite the obstacles she faced as a first-generation college student, Perez’s perseverance transformed each challenge into an opportunity for growth.

Reflecting on her college experience, Perez recalls, “Many of my family members did not go to college, and seeing their everyday struggles pushed me to be the first in my family to obtain a bachelor’s and master’s degree.” Her journey wasn’t without hardships; raised by a low-income, single mother, Perez faced issues with housing, study space, and transportation. With her siblings, she often took turns studying in the bathroom—the only private space available in their small, shared room. These challenges, however, only strengthened her resolve.

Perez credits the Summer Bridge Program, a high school-to-college transition initiative, as fundamental to her academic success. The program not only introduced her to college resources but also helped her secure her first professional job as a Peer Advisor on campus. Her academic journey was marked by hurdles, including initially failing her psychology course and struggling with statistics, which she eventually passed after her third attempt. Despite these setbacks, she grew to love data analysis and came to see these challenges as stepping stones to success.

Today, Yadira Perez serves students at RCC as the coordinator for the MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program. In this role, she finds great joy in supporting students on their own educational journeys, offering guidance, resources, and encouragement to help them succeed. Her passion for helping students reflects her own experiences, and she is committed to fostering a supportive environment for all.

“When I transferred to CSU Los Angeles, living on campus was transformational,” Perez says. “Having my own space and access to reliable transportation allowed me to take on volunteer and internship opportunities that opened doors to my career today.”

Now, Perez encourages first-generation students at RCC to make use of the resources available to them. “Reach out for help,” she advises. “RCC offers so many resources through support programs, basic needs assistance, and academic tutoring.” Her story embodies the power of persistence, support, and self-belief, inspiring students to navigate their educational journeys with confidence.

Through her life’s work and her personal story, Yadira Perez demonstrates that, with determination and the right support, first-generation college students can overcome barriers and achieve their dreams.

About Riverside City College
Established in 1916, Riverside City College is dedicated to fostering student success and empowering the community through accessible, high-quality education. RCC is committed to providing first-generation college students with the support and resources they need to reach their academic and personal goals.