Yajaira Gonzalez Robles
Administration of Justice, and Public Policy and Society for Transfer
Growing up, Yajaira Gonzalez Robles watched people close to her struggle to obtain legal immigration status, which could help them overcome barriers to opportunities and economic mobility.
“I want to be able help those that are now facing the same hardships,” Gonzalez Robles said. And at age 19, she is on her way, graduating LMC with two associate degrees for transfer in administration of justice, and public policy and society. She plans to attend Sacramento State University in the fall as a criminal justice major and go on to become an immigration lawyer.
“I chose LMC as a way to save money while being at home with my family,” she said. “After graduating high school, I didn’t feel entirely ready to leave my family to go to college.”
The decision, she said gave her a sense of security and belonging, especially as she became involved with the Transfer Academy. There, counselors helped her with an educational plan and led her to resources and services she might not otherwise have found. She also learned to carve her own path.
“Everyone’s journey is different,” Gozalez Robles said. “I can do things at my pace and when time allows me to do them. At times, it might feel as if the odds are against you, and maybe sometimes they are. However, it is up to us to see through them and beat them.”