Pondharshini Sadasivam’s Post

🎓 Today, on National First-Generation College Student Day, I want to celebrate the incredible journey that many of us have embarked on. As a proud #firstgenerationcollegestudent - someone who went from a community college (at Cerritos College) to getting a BA degree from California State University, Los Angeles, an MA from Fuller Theological Seminary and a doctorate (at Biola University) and now seeking a second master's degree (at University of California, Irvine - The Paul Merage School of Business) - I know firsthand the challenges we face, but also the #determination that drives us forward. 👨🏽🎓 Being the first in your family to attend #college is a testament to your #resilience and #ambition. It's a path filled with uncertainty, but it's also a path that opens doors to new #opportunities and paves the way for future generations. In other words, first gen college students will set a new direction for generations to come. Remember, your unique experiences and perspectives as a first-gen student are valuable assets. Embrace them, because they set you apart in a world that values #diversity and #inclusion. Let's continue #breakingbarriers, defying expectations, and showing the world what we're capable of. We do this for our familia. We do this for our comunidad. Our success is their success. ✊🏽 To all the first-gen students out there, you are an inspiration! Keep reaching for the stars and inspiring others to follow in your footsteps. ¡Pa ‘lante, mi gente! 👊🏽 #FirstGenPride #NationalFirstGenDay #EducationMatters #educatedlatinos

I’m happy for my student as she begins her first year at UCLA! Reading her thank you note brought me joy. I guide students to improve (academically, socially, creatively) & learn more about the world & themselves in the process. ✍️🎵🎨📸🎭🩰🎮💻 #collegecounseling #collegeadmissions #collegeplanning #selfimprovementjourney

So true for many School Principals and Teachers.

Today starts the last week of the Fall 2023 semester at Sonoma State University. While my semester ended on Saturday and my cohort in the Saturday Degree Completion Program in the Sonoma State University School of Extended and International Education ends on Saturday (as I turned in the final assignment last weekend), I look back. Two years have gone by now since I enrolled at Sonoma State, and since taking classes in person 17 months ago, I have acquired each and every copy of the Sonoma State STAR (the official newspaper printed for the Sonoma State University community). I look forward to acquiring copies of this newspaper each time I visit campus. Yes, I consider it a challenge to be a part of the Sonoma State University community as much as I can, despite the Sonoma State University School of Extended and International Education program's limitations, the distance from campus, and the amount of time I am on campus. The next sixty days of so, will be a tough challenge to finish up as much work for my final class, a class that doesn't begin until late January 2024. Being prepared as much as I can will allow me to do good at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (which I constantly hope and pray I will be admitted to for Fall 2024), and as such I have made around 100 connections with faculty, administrators, and (hopefully) fellow classmates/colleagues on LinkedIn that are currently at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As such, I honestly believe knowing things about my current university and it's happenings is a step in the right direction, this way I can hit the ground running at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. #TenTimeChamp #Autism #Autistic #ActuallyAutistic #SRJC #SantaRosaJuniorCollege #RoadToThirteen #SSU #SonomaStateUniversity #SonomaState #UNCC #UNCCharlotte #Journalism #SonomaStateSTAR #CollegeNewspaper #Motivated #Dedicated #Determined #Inspired #Enthusiastic #HopeAndPray #WorkHard #WorkingVacation

I am happy to share that I have completed my first year in the Doctorate in Education program at Saint Mary's College of California! As a Latino in education who turned doubt into belief, this milestone is more than just a year of hard work—it's a testament to my long journey to self-discovery and perseverance. Throughout my academic career, I struggled to create a successful student identity. All I knew was failure and doubt. From being told to repeat fourth grade, having to transfer high schools due to poor academic grades then later being advised to consider a continuation school in high school, the message was clear: school wasn't for me. While these challenges broke me down numerous times, I was fortunate enough to have found strong supporters and advocates later in my academic journey who championed me, ensuring my success and well-being. Because deep down, I knew that school was meant for me and that I had the potential to thrive in an academic setting. From hating school to now being enrolled in a doctorate program, I’ve learned to celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. For me, redefining success means recognizing and valuing all the wins and even losses. Victories such as completing my first year in a doctorate program are significant milestones in my journey toward success, each one a step forward in a journey that once seemed impossible. Today, I celebrate this milestone with a reflection of my progress. Every setback, every moment of doubt, was a step towards building the resilience and determination that contributed to my success today. It’s important to recognize and celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, as they form the foundation of our accomplishments. Although the road may not be perfectly paved, each experience, each struggle, has played a pivotal role in shaping the individual I am today. #DownloadingDrSanchez