- My name is Omar Rodriguez,
and I'm a student at Irvine Valley College.
Growing up, I had a learning disability,
and I also was an English-language learner.
In high school, I had a teacher that basically told me that
because I struggled in math, maybe college wasn't for me.
Going into community college,
I did have days where I was, like, why am I here?
I was not used to a college campus.
I didn't know how it was going to be like.
We have really great teachers.
One time, I was really struggling in math,
and one of my teachers basically told me
I'm not giving up on you,
and helped me pass the class.
It boosted up my self-esteem to the max.
The professors, even the librarians influenced me
by just smiling and waving at you.
It just makes you have a great day.
I took public speaking,
which was one of the general required classes,
and that's how I found out about the communications major.
I'm getting my associates degree for transfer,
so I can be prepared if I were to go to a Cal State.
Without financial aid, it would be very, very difficult for me
to attend college.
Thankfully, I received the BOG waiver,
the Cal Grant and the Pell Grant.
I do all the volunteering on campus and off campus
because I like giving back to the community.
People doubted me in high school
and thought I couldn't go to college,
but here I am, with a plan to go to a four-year university
and get a masters degree from Stanford University.