Empower Larissa's Academic Pursuit at Cal

Hi! My name is Larissa and I recently graduated with honors from Modesto Junior College with an Associates for transfer in Political Science with 4 semesters on the President's list. I am beyond thankful that I was accepted to all 5 of the schools I applied to and accepted admission to The University of California Berkeley for fall of 2024! My ultimate goal is to complete law school.

My journey to UC Berkeley has been filled with unique obstacles. I struggled to graduate after I had my daughter at 17 but ultimately received my high school diploma from Elliott Alternative Ed Center. From there I continued to search for ways to take care of my children while also finding the confidence to forgive myself for the mistakes I made along the way. In April of 2022, I enrolled at MJC filled with self doubt but with the hope that I might be able to navigate college. I will never forget the first day I had to write a discussion post for Humanities, I called my cousin distraught that I was not cut out for higher education while contemplating withdrawing. She reassured me that others were just as confused as I and the best option was to jump right in. From that day on every assignment provided me the confidence that I had lost throughout my previous experiences. With that being said, I could have never imagined myself at present, an admitted student at UC Berkeley and a proud MJC alumna.

While I have received a gracious offer of financial aid I am asking for your financial support to focus on making the most of my education at Cal. My goal with this fundraiser is to be able to support myself and my children while also having my classes be the priority.

Funds will be used for housing, food and living expenses, transportation and childcare

Thank you the support and well wishes I feel all the love