The first in her family to get a bachelor's degree, Leslie P. knew her West Coast University graduation ceremony meant as much to her as it did to her parents and grandparents.

“My grandmother doesn't know how to read or write. She never went to school. My parents didn't finish high school or middle school, so I'm the first to do anything, and it's such a big day for us,” Leslie said. "Now that I'm here, we can't believe it. For all my firstgeneration graduates out there, don't be afraid. Keep pushing. I promise it will be worth it in the end."

From a young age, Leslie said her parents encouraged her to stay in school and do her best. While studying at WCUTexas for her bachelor’s degree, Leslie worked fulltime while also being a fulltime student. Despite her busy schedule, she said the encouragement and support from her family helped push her to be named to the Dean’s List for academic honors.

“They were there every step of the way. They were there to guide me and help me,” she said. “Even though I was the first generation to go to college and I had to figure out a lot of things on my own, I always consulted with them about any little thing.”

With so much support from her family, Leslie was able to set her mind on her goals and never waiver on her childhood dream of being a nurse.

“I kept pushing and pushing, and by doing that, I am the person that I am today,” she said. “At each clinic where I went, they always said, ‘You're going to be an amazing nurse.’ That just gave me confirmation that what I'm doing and what I'm learning and that me stepping out of my comfort zone is worth it.”