Rosa Coronel

When Rosa Coronel was in high school, college felt like a distant dream. As a first-generation student who came to this country as a young child, Rosa carried more than just academic hopes—she carried responsibility. Her parents leaned on her often, and she helped care for her younger siblings while balancing schoolwork and the uncertainty of what came next.

“College didn’t seem like it was for someone like me,” Rosa said. “It felt out of reach, especially because of our financial situation.”

Although counselors at South El Monte High School encouraged her to apply to colleges regardless of the cost, Rosa hesitated. She wanted to believe it could work, but reality made her cautious. That changed when she heard about Río Hondo College’s two-year free tuition program (Río Promise)—an opportunity that gave her a reason to try.

Once at Río, Rosa began to explore. She tried out different career paths, including nursing and even considered joining the Army. While still in high school, she’d taken dual enrollment courses, giving her a head start. But it was College Corps that became her defining experience.

“College Corps changed everything,” she said. “I realized Río Hondo wasn’t just a place to go to school—it was a place where I could grow. There were book vouchers, legal and mental health services, counseling—so many things I didn’t even know I needed, but they were there.”

Since graduating high school in 2023, Rosa immersed herself in campus life. In addition to her service through College Corps, she became a student-athlete, joining the water polo and swim teams—something she never imagined. She had first learned to swim at the South El Monte Community Center and didn’t foresee those early lessons turning into a collegiate sports journey.

“I loved competing,” Rosa said. “It made me feel strong, connected and capable.”

Now, Rosa is preparing to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona, where she’ll major in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work. Inspired by the challenges she’s overcome and the support she received, she hopes to uplift others who feel lost, uncertain or overlooked.

“At Río, I had supportive people to help guide me,” Rosa reflected. “It was a student-centered environment that fostered hope.”

She especially remembers the encouragement from her parents.

“Mija, you can make it,” her parents would tell her. “You just have to work hard—maybe harder than others, but you can do this.”

And Rosa did—carrying her family, her dreams and her purpose forward.