2021 Breakthrough Yearbook

Yearbook 2021

THANK YOU FOR INVESTING IN COLLEGE DREAMS

LUCY SAUCEDO TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Lucy credits an array of Breakthrough programs for empowering her to pursue even her most ambitious educational goals. She just earned an MBA from Texas Tech, building on her Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering -- all while working full-time as a Yield Engineer at X-FAB, a semiconductor company with locations in Houston and West Texas. Looking forward, she hopes to find a new role that leverages her two degrees more holistically.

At first it felt surreal to become a first-generation college graduate, but it makes me happy that I am able to make my family, friends, and people that have supported me through the years feel proud. I feel extremely proud of myself to be able to accomplish not only my undergrad in Electrical Engineering, but go above and beyond and earn my masters while working as a full time engineer.

Even before I joined Breakthrough, I was kindly invited to many of their college visits, volunteer programs, and summer program workshops. Breakthrough helped when I did not know what to do when I had to explain to my parents how college worked. I was able to connect with the Breakthrough staff, and their previous experiences helped me understand my parents. Through Breakthrough, I was given the opportunity to apply to prestigious internships and work at well known companies. Breakthrough’s AmeriCorps program helped me grow as a person by introducing me to a diverse group of individuals that dedicated their time to the students at Breakthrough.

DANIEL VALADEZ CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology

Daniel graduated from Concordia University Texas in 2020 and is working to grow his career as a sports performance coach -- first and foremost by returning to school and earning a Masters in Exercise Science. He admits working to become a first-generation college graduate was stressful, but feels his dedication set an example for others to follow, like his younger sister Krystal, who is currently a sophomore at The University of Texas at Austin.

Breakthrough has shown me that there is always something much bigger than myself and my future. By allowing me the opportunities to grow, it allowed me to open new doors, not just for myself but for my family as well.

It’s about making generational changes.

Breakthrough also helped my younger sister, Krystal, who is currently a sophomore at UT Austin. I am very proud of her. She has also set an amazing example for our nieces, nephews and others around us. Breakthrough showed us that by staying dedicated and putting in the effort we can achieve what we put our mind to.

Thank you for everything! From allowing me to attend summer camp in the 6th grade, to taking me on college visits in 7th grade, Breakthrough introduced us to a new, educational path forward.

STEPHANIE LOPEZ SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice Stephanie earned a BS in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University, and now works for Refugee Services of Texas as a STEP (Survivors of Trafficking Empowerment Program) Case Manager in Austin. Her ultimate career goal is to serve as an advocate and empower survivors of human trafficking here in Texas.

Becoming a first-generation college graduate is a surreal feeling! I feel beyond proud knowing I was the first in my family to graduate college and also know that I am certainly not the last. It brings me so much joy knowing that I am a role model to the younger teens and children in my family who all aspire to attend and graduate college as well.

I know that being a first-generation college student will continue to forever open doors of opportunity and greatness for my family. Breakthrough's passion and commitment to their students is something I can compare to no other. Breakthrough reassured, comforted, educated and guided us all towards success. I will never be able to thank them enough for the change they have made for me and my family and the future generations!

BREANA MILLER TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Prior to graduating from Texas State with a degree in Psychology, Breana spent most of her summers alongside Breakthrough – both as a student, and later as a teacher herself. Now that she has completed her degree, Breana joined AmeriCorps and serves on the Breakthrough College Completion Team, with plans to ultimately pursue a graduate degree and work in education reform.

I [joined Breakthrough because] I have always been passionate about education. I think that Breakthrough is a wonderful institution – I always wished it was an actual school to attend year-round. So I really wanted to be a part of that, give back, and share the experience I got out of Breakthrough.

The resources that Breakthrough has provided me with that stand out the most are helping me write college essays, the financial aid, providing me with internship opportunities. Without Breakthrough my resume would be very slim! I think just helping me get into doors I wouldn’t even know how to get to on my own.

CARLOS DE LA CRUZ TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering After graduating from Texas A&M College Station in May of 2021, Carlos spent his summer months advising students as an AmeriCorps member with Breakthrough’s College Completion Team. In early fall, Carlos accepted a position at Tesla where he now works as a New Product Introduction Tech.

Without the guidance, opportunities, experience, or community that Breakthrough has offered throughout the last 10 years of my life, I would not have had the level of success I have achieved so far. The program began influencing each aspect of my life from the very start, from the people in my life, to the work experience I gained throughout high school and college.

Breakthrough saw me and my cohort grow up alongside the staff who dedicated their time and effort to help us reach our goals. I went from meeting the Site Directors who later became my co-workers, and the summer friends that turned into life-long friends and roommates.

Even my family has been able to seek opportunities and guidance because of Breakthrough.

BIJOU KANYAMBO BATES COLLEGE

Bachelor of Science, Politics Since graduating from Bates College with a degree in Politics, Bijou is settling into her career as an Analyst for Citigroup’s municipal banking division in New York City. She looks forward to growing in her career and is enjoying life in the City. Aside from all the programs Breakthrough offers, she credits Breakthrough for connecting and involving her family in every step of her educational journey, helping to ensure her success.

Breakthrough gave me just the right amount of resources I needed to be even more successful. It made way for my family to be more involved in my educational endeavors, which made me believe I had a strong team behind me.

It feels amazing and rewarding to be a first-generation college graduate. I’m thankful for the amazing people and programs such as Breakthrough that really stayed by my side and made sure I had everything I needed to be successful.

LUIS SALINAS ST. EDWARD’S UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance Luis graduated from St. Edward’s University in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance. Building upon his education and internship experiences with Accenture and Upland Software, he is currently working for his mother, learning the family passport expediting business, with plans to launch and manage his own location of the business in 2022.

Breakthrough has been instrumental to my success as both a student and business professional. Thanks to Breakthrough, I have accomplished many wonderful achievements such as graduating from college, and working as an intern at some very great companies.

Not only did Breakthrough provide me with the map to pursue a college education and grant me with invaluable professional experiences, it has also been like my second family. Whether it was emotionally, educationally, or financially, Breakthrough has been there for me every step of the way. It's because of these reasons that I'd like to give thanks to Breakthrough for assisting me and other first generation college students in pursuing our dream to become college graduates. I cannot express how grateful I am for Breakthrough for their support.

STEVIE MARTINEZ-FARIAS BENNINGTON COLLEGE

Double Major in Anthropology & Latin American Studies Even while enrolled at Bennington College in Vermont, Stevie maintained a close-knit relationship to Breakthrough, returning in the summers to serve as an AmeriCorps Teaching Fellow. She has now joined our high school support staff in a full-time AmeriCorps role, empowering other students who, just as she was before, are determined to realize their educational dreams. Past this year, Stevie hopes to return for a second year with AmeriCorps and potentially return to graduate school.

Looking back at my life and seeing how far I’ve come not only as a student but as an individual has been thanks to the support I’ve had in my journey.

Breakthrough set me up for success, giving me resources that I thought I would not be eligible to obtain due to financial setbacks, putting me ahead of my classmates, and teaching me about college so I wasn’t figuring it out by myself.

My Breakthrough Teaching Fellows were the reason as to why I wanted to give back. Because of them I know what I’m capable of and I hope I am able to have the same impact to my students – giving them the foundation to do more and believe in themselves and the effect they will have on the future. No student should be defined by their race, economic background, religion, or identity. They all deserve an equal education and a hunger for knowledge.

#BREAKTHROUGHGRADUATES