Dulce Pelayo

After five years' involvement with Oregon Leadership Program, Dulce has discovered her potential and is well on her way to accomplishing her goals.

She began in 2004 with a full-time load, but says balancing motherhood, work and school was overwhelming, and she dropped out. In 2008 she recommitted herself to her education, this time starting with one class and gradually increasing her load to a full-time schedule.

"The college's OLI mentors helped me to trust in myself, to set and achieve goals, to find my roots and value my cultural identity," says Dulce. "After high school, I was inspired to become an OLI mentor myself so I could help to help other Latino students achieve their own goals and dreams."

Dulce says she also values the support of the COCC community: "Everyone has encouraged me to stay focused and to keep my goals and dreams in place. In addition, I love how our COCC community embraces diversity and shows support through all of the clubs and student programs. I feel honored to represent the Latino community within this educational institution."

» Read more student stories