Meet Featured Parenting Student: Cristal Gomez!!

Cristal is a first generation college freshman and Mom to her one year old son, Jesse. She is the "first everything" in her family— first to graduate high school, and first to attend college. Cristal grew up in South Central Los Angeles and always dreamed of attending UCLA. “It seemed so unreachable,” she recalls.

 A first year Spanish Major, Cristal moved into family housing in September and has been adjusting to her new life as a Mommy and a Bruin ever since. For Cristal, the hardest part of her new schedule is prioritizing time for herself. "I know I have to do this for myself," she says, "It sucks when you feel like you are being selfish." Jesse has been attending class alongside his Mom until she finds a viable child-care option. While many of her professors have been accepting of Jesse in the classroom, as he gets older, it is becoming more difficult to bring him to school. In the meantime, Cristal makes it all work with the support of her amazing boyfriend and family. 

Last Friday, Cristal visited the BRC and turned in an application for California's Connections for Children. She is also hoping to hear soon if she has moved up the waitlist at UCLA's Early Care and Education Center. Her story highlights the great need for more childcare options to be available near campus for our Parenting Students. 

Cristal's favorite thing about UCLA so far has been her experiences with other students and admins: "Everyone is so nice and helpful on campus...and so open-minded!!" 

You're rocking it Cristal! Thank you for inspiring us all!

Photos from Cristal's son's visit to the Bruin Resource Center. 

KIDS ARE WELCOME HERE!