Being the first in your family to pursue higher education is an achievement worth celebrating. Meet members of our OC Community who are making their mark through hard work, perseverance and a commitment to their futures.
First Generation Week | Mon., Nov. 2 - Fri., Nov. 6
Be part of the celebration during First-Generation Week! Join Mentorship & Intercultural Exchange (MIX) and other campus programs for events and activities designed to honor and uplift students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Jennifer Bulyar
OC Student, Associate in Applied Science, Substance Use Disorder Professional Counseling
For Jennifer, being a first-generation college student means finding a path forward without a roadmap. Growing up with poverty and instability, she entered foster care at a young age and became emancipated as a teenager. College was never something her family had experience with, and higher education felt out of reach. After facing addiction and incarceration, she eventually entered recovery and began rebuilding their life. Through that process, Jennifer discovered that her past did not have to define her future.
Today, Jennifer is pursuing an Associate in Applied Science transfer degree in Substance Use Disorder Professional Counseling at Olympic College, with plans to continue into a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Healthcare. As a single mother raising two children, including a child with special needs, balancing school, work, and family responsibilities is not always easy. Still, each completed class and milestone reminds her why she started.
Jennifer's experiences have also shaped her commitment to helping others. Through outreach and housing stabilization work, she has supported individuals and families navigating difficult circumstances. She hopes to continue serving her community and eventually establish a nonprofit that provides comprehensive support to vulnerable populations.
Being a first-generation student has taught Jennifer that success is not always about how quickly you reach your goals. Sometimes, it means continuing forward when the path feels uncertain. Olympic College has become more than a place to earn a degree. It has helped her recognize new possibilities for herself and her family.
Jennifer's message to other first-generation students is simple: “You belong here. You do not need to have everything figured out or come from a family that understands college. Your experiences and your story matter. The challenges you have faced can become strengths that help you succeed and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Dr. Zea Moullet
OC MESA Director
Growing up in a low-income family in a wealthy community, Zea often felt out of place and questioned whether she belonged in college. Without family members who could guide her through the college experience, she had to figure things out on her own by asking questions, finding resources and getting involved. Along the way, she discovered a passion for higher education and realized she wanted to help students who might be facing the same challenges.
Even after more than two decades in her career, Zea still experienced moments of self-doubt. In Fall 2020,she decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Education and Leadership, pushing herself to grow in new ways. Zea's doctoral research focused on first-generation professionals in college student affairs and how her experiences shaped the way she works with students. Through this research, she came to appreciate how her own journey had prepared her to recognize when students felt out of place, help them navigate unfamiliar expectations and remind them that they belonged.
Today, Zea takes pride in being a first-generation student and professional. She recognizes the sacrifices her parents made to create opportunities for her family and understands that her journey has shaped both her career and the person she has become. Being first-generation does not end with graduation. New experiences can bring back old doubts, but they also offer reminders of the resilience and confidence built along the way.
Zea's message to other first-generation students is simple: do not overlook what your experiences have taught you. The challenges you face can help you grow, connect with others and find your own path forward. You do not have to have everything figured out to belong.
Angela Yamamoto
Program Coach, OC Promise
As a first-generation college graduate and professional, Angela now views her background as one of her greatest strengths. Growing up in a multigenerational immigrant household, she spent years carrying heavy responsibilities early on and feeling self-conscious about her language and educational background. Over time, her perspective shifted: being multilingual, honoring her cultural heritage and becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree became sources of deep pride and purpose.
That journey wasn't without its hurdles. Early on, Angela struggled to find a sense of belonging, longing for a community that understood the pressure of balancing family expectations with college life. Everything changed when a friend introduced her to the Coming Home Alliance, an AAPI support group. Through monthly potlucks, shared stories and cultural celebrations, Angela found a place where she felt genuinely seen, supported and connected.
Along the way, mentors and friends taught her a crucial lesson: asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a step toward growth.
Today, Angela is passionate about reframing what it means to be first-generation. It doesn't mean a lack of capability; it often just means building your own path without a pre-existing roadmap. With the right support, first-generation students don't just succeed; they open doors for generations to come. Her advice? "Find your people. Whether it’s a mentor, a close friend, or a community that gets your story, having people in your corner changes everything. You don't have to do this alone."
Rebekah Wilkins
OC Director of BFET & Financial Literacy
As the first in her extended family to go to college, Rebekah didn’t have a roadmap for higher education. Her journey started in high school, taking college courses while juggling a full-time job at just 16 years old. When a family crisis hit, her grades took a toll, making it hard to keep up. Even so, Rebekah knew a degree could open doors, not just for herself, but for her whole family. In fact, her determination inspired both of their parents to enroll in college, too.
When Rebekah was ready to transition to full-time college, she faced another major hurdle: losing her financial aid due to her previous academic standing. Uncertain if continuing was even viable, she sat down with a student services supervisor who helped her map out a path forward. Rebekah paid out of pocket, took one class at a time and stayed persistent until she successfully appealed, restored her financial aid and reinstated her Promise Scholarship. Along the way, guidance from the Multicultural Center, Welcome Center, and a cultural advisor helped her stay the course and complete her associate degree.
That six-year journey taught Rebekah firsthand how powerful the right support system can be.
Today, Rebekah serves as the Director of BFET and Financial Literacy at Olympic College. Having experienced the confusion of not knowing what questions to ask or where to turn, she now uses her story to guide students through financial barriers and academic setbacks. Rebekah's message to first-generation students is simple: don’t be afraid to reach out. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own—sometimes, a single conversation with someone who cares can change everything.