GEAR UP | SUNNYSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
We spoke with Sunnyside High School graduates about their experiences in high school and how they were able to navigate life in college. The panelists volunteered to share their stories.
QUICK CLIPS
How Karen afforded to attend Stanford University.
How Erik struggled with imposter syndrome during his first year at The U of Washington.
How Nora overcame big challenges her first year in college...
How Jesus was able to attend UW, his dream school.
How Francisco earned a soccer scholarship to attend college.
How Jose made the decision to follow his dream instead of following the money...
How taking a break from college helped Alexis regroup and get back on track.
How Clarisa used Running Start to pave her path to college.
GROUP CLIPS
MEET THE STUDENTS
Karen Villanueva
Hometown: Sunnyside, WA
High School: Sunnyside Senior High School
College: Stanford University
Year in College: Class of 2022
Major: Psychology
Dream job: Marriage and Family Counselor / Therapist
Karen’s Places: Latter-day Saint Student Association, Language Learning Lab, Diversity & First-Gen Office, El Centro Chicano y Latino, Twain Dorm
High School Places: Math Club, Science Club, National Honors Society, Knowledge Bowl, Key Club, Upward Bound, Track & Field (12th)
First-Gen?: Yes
Reach out to Karen by Email: kkarenvv2@outlook.com, or Instagram: @karenivillanueva
Erik Birrueta
Hometown: Sunnyside, WA
High School: Sunnyside Senior High School
College: University of Washington
Year in College: Class of 2022
Major: Psychology
Occupation: Catholic Community Services Behavioral Health, Youth Partner
Dream job: Undetermined.
Erik’s Places: Catholic Newman Center, IMA intramural Sports, College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), CAMP advisor, UW Study Abroad, Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D), and EOP Advising.
High School Places: Science Fair, Key Club, Upward Bound, Cross Country, Soccer, Tennis, Knowledge Bowl, TSA, Religious Education Teacher St. Joseph Parish, and Youth Group St. Joseph Parish.
First-Gen?: Yes
Reach out to Erik by E-mail: Birruetaerik@gmail.com, or Instagram: @emb_0023
Nora Cisneros-Toscano
Hometown: Sunnyside, WA
High School: Sunnyside High School
College: University of Washington
Year in College: 3rd year
Major: Business Administration: Accounting, CISB: Spanish, Minor: Diversity
Occupation: Student, currently employed at Washington STEM
Dream job: Accountant
Nora’s Places: CAMP (College Assistance Migrant Program), TRIO, First Generation Business Leaders, Unidas Seremons, ALPFA
High School Places: Wrestling/Cross Country, Science Fair, Outside Adventure Club, Key Club
First-Gen?: Yes
Reach out to Nora on Instagram: @noratheexploradoraa
Jesus Adame-Escalante
Hometown: Sunnyside, Washington
High School: Sunnyside Senior High School
College: University of Washington
Year in College: Class of 2023
Major: English
Dream Job: 1) Technical Writer 2) Teaching English abroad 3) Communication/Public Relations specialist
Jesus’ Places: Ethnic Culture Center (ECC), Leadership without Borders, Odegaard Undergraduate Library, Intramural Activities Building (IMA)
High School Places: Independent Photography, Soccer
First-Gen?: Yes
Reach out to Jesus on Instagram: @cozyxjesus
Francisco Lagunas
Hometown: Sunnyside, WA
High School: Sunnyside High School
College: Columbia Basin College
Year in college: Second year
Major: Computer Science
Occupation: Seasonal fieldwork
My dream job: To become a professional in the Computer Science field, and also get into real estate
Francisco’s Places: Soccer
High School Places: I played soccer and also assisted the girls soccer team in high school.
First-Gen?: Yes
Reach out to Francisco on Facebook: Francisco Lagunas, Instagram: franciscolagunas10, and email: franciscola10@yahoo.com
Jose Solis
Hometown: Sunnyside, WA
High School: Sunnyside High School
College: Washington State University
Year in College: Junior
Major: Mechanical Engineering focused in Aerospace Engineering
Dream job: Work for SpaceX or NASA
Jose’s Places: I was luckily placed in LSAMP and STARS my freshman year at college where I met some of my lifelong friends, and now I’m a mentor for STARS (red shirt program for STEM students) and TMP (Team Mentoring Program) in helping first-year/transfers students get their feet set at Washington State University.
High School Places: Soccer & PEP Club
Reach out to Jose on Instagram: @Gummybear.117
Alexis Dominguez
Hometown: Sunnyside, WA
High School: Sunnyside Senior High School
College: University of Washington
Year in College: Class of 2022
Major: Double majoring in Spanish and Education, Communities and Organizations (ECO)
Alexis’ Places: College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), Seattle World School (Internship), Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D), and the IMA intramural Sports
Dream Job: Teacher
High School Places: TSA, Science Fair, Basketball, Key Club, Honors Society, Church Youth Group, Liturgical Coordinator at my parish, and Religious Education Teacher.
First-Gen?: Yes
Reach out to Alexis by E-mail: alexid5@uw.edu
Clarisa Calderon
Hometown: Sunnyside, WA
High School: Sunnyside High School
College: Yakima Valley College, Central Washington University
Year in College: Graduated Summer 2021
Major: Political Science with a minor in American Sign Language
Occupation: Substitute Teacher
Dream job: Get my Ph.D. in political science and become a college professor.
Clarisa’s Places: Classes that you are majoring in and extra classes you find interesting/fun will allow you to find people who are interested in the same things as you and you will have great study buddies. Working on campus or anything that involves working with the community will help you meet amazing people that want you to succeed or people that you can relate to.
High School Places: Swimming, Wrestling, TSA, and Science Fair.
Reach out to Clarisa on Instagram: c.calderon34
ABOUT THE ONE OF YOUR PEOPLE PROJECT
New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen talks with current and recent students about life in college. For more videos visit BeforeCollegeTV on YouTube. For more information about Harlan Cohen visit him online at: www.HarlanCohen.com or follow him on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tik Tok | LinkedIn | Snapchat (helpmeharlan).
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by panelists and participants are their own and are in no way endorsed, officially affiliated, or representative of the institution, Harlan Cohen, or BeforeCollegeTV. All views expressed on panelists social media are not endorsed or affiliated with Harlan Cohen and BeforeCollegeTV. Students views, opinions, and advice are their own. ALWAYS contact official representatives to verify and validate any information provided