Senator Ricardo Lara

How can I forget all those times of panic and despair trying to navigate course selection, financial aid issues, and personal dilemmas. Ever so calm and collected my EOP Counselor Beth Crawford would talk me off the ledge and would refocus my energy on succeeding.

I am proud to have the opportunity to serve my constituents, our most vulnerable Californians. Being elected to the Senate to represent the people of Southeast Los Angeles and Long Beach has been my career highlight — and I am just getting started! I am especially proud of the work that I have done to address the impact of dirty air and truck pollution on those who live near busy ports and transit corridors. Having leaders in the Legislature who grew up in communities affected by pollution has changed the conversation here in Sacramento about how we invest in clean air and water and whose health matters.

EOP was instrumental in building my self-esteem and confidence. As the first in my family to attend university, I did not know what to expect or how I would meet the challenge of college coursework. The major obstacle for first-generation college students isn’t our aptitude or drive. But when the going gets rough — and it does for everyone at some point — we don’t have that safety net of our family’s college experience and comfort level that many students take for granted. EOP reassured me that I could succeed academically and actually provided the tools, mentorship and guidance I needed to thrive.

You know the expression “lean in” — that is true. When the challenges come don’t back down, and when the opportunities come, take them. But you also need to have people you can lean on. You need people who will support and push you to aim higher than even you think is possible, and you will find them in EOP.