Help Two First-Gen Students Study Abroad & Chase Their Dream

Hi! We’re Eztli and Antonio — best friends of 19 years, students at Santa Monica College, and two first-generation college students with big dreams and even bigger hearts.

This summer, we’ve been given a life-changing opportunity to study abroad through a global studies course. It is something we never imagined would be within our reach. For both of us, this isn’t just a trip. It’s the first real step toward the futures we’ve always dreamed of.

We want to acknowledge that this trip comes at an incredibly difficult time for our community and our home. The recent devastating events have directly affected our family and our city of Los Angeles. Despite the heaviness of this moment, this journey is something we’ve been planning and looking forward to since our very first semester at SMC. With the support and encouragement of our loved ones, we are holding onto this opportunity and joy in the face of hardship. Even as we are traveling this summer, we are keeping our communities in mind in everything we do. This trip is more than just travel. It is a way to honor our families’ sacrifices, resistance, and the dreams they’ve worked so hard to make possible.

For me, Eztli, travel has always been deeply tied to my passion for journalism. I dream of becoming a journalist who doesn’t just report — but connects, listens, and shares stories that matter. To walk the streets of new cities, learn histories, understand cultures, and bring those experiences back to uplift my community through words and photography — this is the beginning of that path.

For me, Antonio, Paris isn’t just a destination — it’s the heart of the fashion world. As an aspiring fashion designer, experiencing Paris firsthand means stepping into the birthplace of haute couture, exploring historic fashion houses, and soaking in the elegance of French street style. From the textures of vintage shops to the modern edge of Paris Fashion Week culture, this trip will ignite new inspiration and deepen my understanding of fashion’s roots.

After the study abroad program ends in Paris, we’ll have the chance to visit Rome, Italy together. These experiences will shape both of our creative visions in unique ways outside of the classroom.

Why We’re Asking for Help

As first-generation college students, this is not just a trip abroad or summer vacation! It's the first time anyone in our families has had the opportunity to travel internationally. This is HUGE! Our families have supported us in every way they can, and we’ve been working hard to cover most of the costs ourselves — but international travel isn’t cheap for two students of color with working class families We just need a little extra help to cover essential costs like housing, meals, supplies, and transportation so we can focus on learning, growing, and making the most of this experience.

How You Can Support Us:

Donate – Every dollar is appreciated!

Share – Help us reach others who believe in supporting dreams.

Send Love – Encouragement and good vibes keep us going. Leave some kind words of support! <3

From the bottom of our hearts: thank you for believing in two students chasing something bigger than themselves. With your help, we’ll turn this opportunity into a stepping stone for careers rooted in purpose, creativity, and global connection. We love our community!!!

With gratitude,

Eztli & Antonio