Scholar Spotlight: Mayra Suarez
School: Santa Clara University
Major: Biology, thinking of switching to Psychology
Dream job: Academic School Counselor - In high school I always had mentors and those were always academic counselors or mentors from other programs. I want to pay it forward to fellow first-generation Latinx students. I think we need more Latinx college students because I see there are not many of us. I want to be part of their journey and push them forward. If I could do it, they could do it too.
What is your goal for your first year of college? To pass all my classes with all A’s. I was salutatorian in high school and I want to keep it going here. I also have the goal of getting adjusted and socializing more this first year.
What’s something you’ve learned about college already? It’s a lot of self-advocacy. You have to be willing to put in the work because it’s for you. I’ve learned to be more organized. There are actually resources on campus that you have access to - resources just to grab. It’s just a matter of looking for it. Just like I reach out to Evelyn all the time, I need to reach out here to ask for help too.
What’s been your experience as a LEAF Scholar so far? I LOVE LEAF! LEAF has literally been my savior. Evelyn has been so great…I’m always bugging her to ask questions and to ask for help. Even Andres and Emily...everyone! Everyone is super supportive. You guys reiterate that it’s a safe space and community. You guys feel like my counselors, psychologists…everything! I love the workshops too. I just talked to Evelyn about using emergency funding for a parking permit. I am low-income and college is expensive - the financial support and resources help me out a lot. The mentors are amazing too. I love LEAF and am so grateful I was accepted to the program!
How has LEAF impacted you? My favorite moment was going to the Puente program family graduation. Seeing my mom so proud of graduating with her certificate was a core memory for me. She’s so happy and excited to be involved. I love how LEAF cares not only for the student but for the family too. I feel like you guys are my family! That really makes you guys different from other scholarship programs and stand out. I appreciate the family support.
Advice/Words of Wisdom: To ask for help! To reach out for help anywhere. I remember I was a very shy person myself and scared that people were going to judge me. I would tell people to embrace the discomfort. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because there are a lot of supportive people out there.
