LBCC Upward Bound

She did it! Harvard Class of 2026! I could not be more proud of Anouska…not only for graduating from Harvard among some of the brightest students in the world…but for the way she has moved through formidable spaces with her first-generation superpowers and continued to shine her light as a beacon of hope for every student who looks to her and sees what is possible.

Earning a degree in Mathematics and Science from Harvard as a first-generation Latina undergraduate is no small feat. Anouska stood shoulder to shoulder with students from generations of access, privilege, and preparation…and she belonged there. Fully.

Having the honor of seeing her on campus throughout these last four years reminded me again and again that Anouska was exactly who I knew her to be as a high school student in Long Beach…humble, centered, curious, confident, kind, authentic, hungry to learn, and deeply grounded in purpose.

From the day I met her, she has carried an inner compass that has guided her through every challenge. Her accomplishment is a reflection of her hard work, her grit, her faith, her loving family, and the extended village that believed in her every step of the way.

Spending two days at Harvard for graduation ceremonies with the Ortiz family and my UB “son” Natanael who welcomed Anouska to Boston four years ago and served as a host family…was a full circle moment. It was also a gift I will treasure forever. Watching Anouska receive her diploma was more than a proud moment…it was a sacred reminder of sacrifice, possibility, generational change, and the power of a dream nurtured by love and the Spirit of Ubuntu.

When our students dream big, work hard, and are surrounded by the right village, all things are possible. We are forever connected as chosen family and the Upward Bound ties that remind us why we proudly say TRIO Works! #2026

Special shoutout to our Jordan UB students who continue to show up…meet on Fridays…have grown our community to 60 phenomenal scholars…including their families who contribute in so many beautiful ways🫶🏼 Also grateful for our Student Equity colleagues who work alongside us to make sure our students receive all the shoot they need and deserve 🙌🏼

On behalf of our LBCC TRIO Upward Bound program, our immense gratitude to Executive Vice President Nohel Corral for his consistent support over the years. He is a TRIO champion who reminds our first-gen students what is possible🙌🏼 Shoutout to all our seniors and their families who made the awards ceremony so special and congratulations to Dra. Lupe Pasillas who recently earned her doctorate and is another role model for our students!🫶🏼

Congratulations to the LBCC Upward Bound Class of 2026! Starting with the ending of our ceremony first as it so beautifully captures the night and all the love in our UB Family 🫶🏼

Graduation season will always be one of our favorite times of year. Witnessing our first-gen students achieve their dreams and seeing the pride on the faces of their families is a gift that never loses its meaning.

We know the sacrifices, the struggles, the prayers, and the commitment it takes to keep education a priority. We also know that every step forward represents something bigger than one moment. It represents generational change, and that is a fire that never dims.

Our hope is that our students leave us not only with the academic skills to be successful in college, but with the heart skills to understand that the world is depending on them to use their love, their gifts, and their education to make an imprint.

As a team, we are proud beyond words to stand alongside students and families who walk in love, resilience, and gratitude. Today, we give flowers to every student, parent, alumni, colleague, and friend who continues to show up and make these moments so significant and meaningful.

The Spirit of Ubuntu continues to grow through this next generation of graduates, and we are hopeful for our future because of who the Class of 2026 is becoming. They understand that love and education are two of the most powerful tools we have to change the world, and their daily actions already speak volumes about all the good that awaits🤍

Graduation season will always be one of my favorite times of year. Witnessing our students achieve their dreams and seeing the pride on the faces of their families is a gift that never loses its meaning. I love my students deeply, and each one holds a special place in my heart. This one is extra special.

God’s light radiates from Nathalia’s soul. She is as talented in the arts as she is brilliant in the classroom. And while she has had to work hard to do all she does with excellence, it is the effort, discipline, and heart she pours into everything that makes every win even more meaningful. There were moments when she allowed doubt to creep in, but I never once doubted that she was born for greatness.

Over the last four years at USC, Nathalia built a solid network of good friends, found her soul mate, sang in the Mariachi, applied and was accepted into an MPH program, and continued making her family proud every step of the way.

Nathalia answers every call with joyful exuberance and never hangs up the phone without saying “I love you”. She is someone who makes everyone in her presence feel uplifted. That is who Nathalia is.

Watching her receive her degree from USC was a remarkable achievement. But even more meaningful, as a first-generation college student, it was a powerful reminder to all of our Upward Bound students that Everything is possible.

Nathalia, you are a light, a blessing, and a beautiful example of what happens when faith, family, hard work, love, and opportunity come together. We are so proud of you❤️

Beauty, connection and wonderful things happening all around us🌸🌸🌸 Love our UB team and students who show up daily to make the UB magic and grateful for the LBCC community that allows the connections to grow and create a ripple effect 🌼🌼🌼

My deepest gratitude to everyone who showed such beautiful and abundant love in so many ways. While there are no words to fully express what your kindness and generosity means to me, please know you are forever and always in my heart❤️ I look forward to gathering tomorrow and using our collective creativity to repurpose some of the gorgeous flowers you gave to me💕🌸🌹🌼💐💕 We will be making senior certificates, Mother’s Day cards, bookmarks and whatever else we can dream up🙌🏼 Your beautiful hearts are capable of Anything you put your mind to! As we get ready for more May celebrations, let’s keep making meaningful memories💕🫶🏼💕🫶🏼💕

Grateful beyond words for all the beautiful flowers, cards, texts and words💕🌹🌸🌼💐💕 Excited to see you all tomorrow as we find creative ways to repurpose the flowers to make more things of beauty together🌸💕🫶🏼💕🌸