Grad Spotlight - Maria Tejada
July 07, 2020 - 10:41 AM
Maria Tejada had her career plans all figured out. She envisioned being a business
major and was planning to go through all of the required coursework to get her degree
in the field.
And then she got involved on campus, specifically working with the DREAM Program.
鈥淚 realized that I love working with undocumented students,鈥� the first-generation
college student says. 鈥淗aving found this out, I decided that I wanted to change my major, but I did not want to stall on graduating. I
made the decision to take 20.5 units in one semester in order to finish strong.鈥�
Maria did finish strong, earning straight As in all of those classes. That big push
at the end of her journey at Mt. SAC played a part in getting her the choice of where
she will be going next: USC
鈥淚t鈥檚 always been (one of) my dream schools 鈥�,鈥� Maria says.
Although we now complete the Grad Spotlights in the Newsroom this year, there are a great many more that were profiled each day throughout the month of June on Mt. SAC's social media channels (, and ). Read Learn how Grandpa always told
While in school at the next level, she will focus on a degree that will allow her
to become a counselor who works with undocumented students. This new career path is
something that opened up for Maria once she began to network all over campus.
鈥淚 have had many wonderful experiences at Mt. SAC,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 was part of the Honors
Program, which I have loved. I also had the opportunity to be part of the IDEAS Club
on campus. The biggest support I have received at Mt. SAC has come from the DREAM
Program. I can really say that I have loved this whole journey.鈥�