Today I wanted to have an open dialogue about what it is like to be a first generation college student specifically, the unique challenges faced by first-generation Latino college students. I am always proud to share that I am a first generation college graduate and while there were many challenges that I personally faced, it really shaped my career and the professional that I am today. My experiences and challenges are what fuels my purpose today and why I am passionate about the work that I do as a career coach.
Many Latino students may feel pressure when choosing majors and careers, especially when their families discourage certain paths that are seen as low-paying. I believe it is so important to have open conversations with family about career choices.
So today I have a very special guest that will join me on this discussion of how college students navigate the college process without family support to feeling the weight of financial pressures and the responsibility to provide for their families after graduation.
My guest today is Dr. Ochoa-Galindo a senior lecturer and the director of internships in applied psychology at UIC. She is an alumnus from UIC and has been working there for 5 years. She has over 15 years of teaching experience both at the undergraduate and graduate level. In addition, Dr. Ochoa-Galindo is a licensed mental health clinician with over 18 years of experience providing individual, family, and group counseling to children, adolescents, and adults both in outpatient and inpatient settings. She has experience working with mental illness, behavioral disorders, domestic violence, sexual assault, acculturation stress, and trauma. In her spare time, she enjoys doing yoga, reading, and spending time with her family which includes her husband, 6-year-old twin daughters, 4 dogs, and 2 cats!
Connect with Dr. Ochoa on LinkedIn
In Motion Counseling
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Sound from Zapsplat.com
Artwork: Joseph Valenzuela Design
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