Empower Ulises' Path to Graduate Success

Hello everyone!

My name is Ulises DeJesus Caro Flores and I start my graduate program at Cal Poly SLO this summer. While I understand the grave events and political mayhem our country is undergoing, I understand it may be difficult or eerie asking for assistance. However, I’ve finally taken action to pursue my education. This has been a goal of mine for many years; however, several events and unforeseen mistakes have halted me and stunted my confidence into feeling I can make a difference. I value the power in education and the ability it has to make a difference. My goal is to help reshape the workforce or be an asset in the community through growth and prosperity.

As a first generation college student and child of immigrants, I’ve been fortunate to immerse myself in my community. My parents never got the chance to go past middle school in Mexico and El Salvador, respectively, so being blessed with the opportunity to have done so and being fortunate to have been accepted to this program has been a privilege. As a former academic advisor and volunteer for several nonprofits, I’ve prided myself on finding ways to give back or make worthy impact. Whether it’s been contributing my time during recovering from surgeries to paying out of pockets for student supplies and college applications, I’ve always believed in helping others despite your circumstances or limited resources as building a community often requires supporting others. Any donations would be greatly appreciated helping me acclimate and transition down to SLO.

Although I have reservations sharing much about my personal life, I hope to do so to show others my vulnerability and genuine character as I make this bold step following financial tribulations. I grew up in a Mexican and Salvadoran household with 3 older brothers and 1 older sister. As the youngest, I had an innocent and traditional household until my dad was struck by a car the second day of my freshmen year. This followed with his depression and being surrounded by gang violence. More so, this created a coping mechanism to live in survival mode for my adolescent and majority of young adult life. A series of poor decisions associated with drinking and mental instability didn’t help. While I accomplished a huge goal in getting my bachelors, I let many great opportunities slip. In growth and healing, I recognized my experience as an academic advisor (while difficult, unplanned, and unqualified) allowed me to see the impact to help others while understanding that in order to help others you need to help yourself. Although I needed to walk away from these great experiences due to my mental instability (shoutout LTCC and UC Davis for the memories and opportunities ), I began to learn how to heal. How to learn from trauma. Trauma resulting from a poverty, a broken home, suicide attempts, sexual assault, food insecurity, eating disorders, drinking problems, etc. Although I’ve learned people can be awful and terrible, we are accountable for our side of the street and the messes in it.

I would be lying I said that it’s been anything but easy; however, I’m content knowing I’m making progress in being a better version of myself and the accomplishments thus far. While others may have a poor lasting impression or been wronged from my conduct, I understand and respect that amidst that time I was not the best version of myself and living to just survive. Happy to say I’m no longer the scared teen living in survival mode. I’ve had the opportunity to be a parental figure for my nephew since he was 2 months old (now 7 years old. I’m able to reconnect with others without the needed to be inebriated. I’m able to take time for myself while helping out when possible and without overwhelming myself. And this has led me to making myself a priority and finally taking the scariest step by pursuing my education in what is unarguably a terrifying administration normalizing hate, bigotry, misogyny, and racism. I want to strive to make an impact. I’ve always been afraid to ask for assistance even during the most pressing times of my life; however, I appreciate any support amidst this transition. More so, I do plan to work while in school to make this goal a reality as none should be just given without hard work and countless hours to make it happen.

While this is the short version about myself, I hope to share more and being more proactive because a persons story may often serve as a guiding light for others. Or, it has been the case for me.

Thank you for taking time to read and appreciate the support. For those that have stayed by my side, thank you. For those reading, thank you.

Sincerely,

Ulises (Chuy)