Education researcher and female entrepreneur Dr. Ana Guerrero shares about her start-up FirstGen_ Resilience and how she provides coaching for aspiring college students.
Ana Y. Guerrero, Ph.D.,recently completed her doctorate at the University of California in Santa Barbara and her research focuses on the identity development of first-generation college students. She currently resides in Goleta, California and she is accepting clients nationwide.
Please tell us more about the purpose of your organization First Gen Resilience.
The purpose of FirstGen_Resilience is to empower first-generation college students by providing information, resources, guidance, and motivation; especially for graduate school. Access to information and exposure to graduate school is crucial for this student population. Though graduate school is not for everyone, everyone deserves to have that option.
Also, an important component of college success is family inclusivity, thus, I provide information in both English and Spanish.
Could you share key experiences in your life that inspired you to start FirstGen_Resilience?
As first-gens, we make choices based on information that is made available to us, and many times the appropriate support systems are not in place for us to feel supported in our academic and career journey. Personally, having mentors to help guide me would have helped me make decisions that were more beneficial for me and it would not have felt isolating.
Also, as an immigrant, I understand the key role higher education plays in opening life opportunities for people.
Can you describe the planning process you use for students in your role as an academic coach?
Students fill out a form, I review it, then we set up a Zoom call to make sure it is a good fit.
In your opinion, what is the most rewarding part of coaching students?
The most rewarding part of coaching students is helping them make progress towards their goals. Many times, the lack of guidance/support is too overwhelming, and subsequently, students get stuck for a long time and even consider leaving school.
We’re super excited to see your merchandise online! Please describe your creative process with these inspirational quotes.
They are phrases that helped me keep showing up for my goals, and I wanted to share them with others.
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
My favorite is “por mi, mi familia y mi comunidad,” which means “for me, my family and my community.” It’s what kept me going, I was doing for all of us.
Which quote resonates with you the most?
They all resonate with me since I used them to keep going!
We’re excited to see organizations emerge and take off. What are some valuable lessons you learned as a female entrepreneur?
Keeping a growth mindset is key! There is so much to learn, and that’s wonderful!
Where do you see FirstGen_ Resilience in the future?
I hope to slowly make FirstGen_ Resilience into a non-profit organization. I want to be able to provide these services for free for students and in a larger capacity. That’s the goal!
How could clients and families reach you (social media handles)?
IG: @FirstGen_Resilience
Website: https://firstgen-resilience.com/
Lilly C. Lew Ph.D. 