Nav2Cal is a big diverse community. It truly feels like I found my family in this community. There are many students and mentors that come from different backgrounds and races that go through so much yet we all relate or face similar problems. I feel like I could truly be myself and never feel judged within the Nav2Cal space.Nav2Cal 2021 Student Fellow
Nav2Cal for me is a safe place where I learned to embrace myself as a first generation, low income, and undocumented student. The help I have received in Nav2Cal is help I have never received anywhere else which is why I value this program so much.Nav2Cal 2022 Student Fellow
I learned how to not be ashamed of myself, how ask for help and communicate with people around me, how to tell my story and embrace who I am, how to look for resources, and how to navigate the difficult process of the college application.Nav2Cal 2022 Student Fellow
Nav2Cal has not only taught me organization skills and helped me with my college applications but I also built a community with everyone here in Nav2Cal. I received support with PIQ’s, scholarships, advice, and anything else. I have developed better writing skills and communication skills. We all hear each other out and listen to each others stories and celebrate our successes together as a whole. Overall a welcoming program and the best support I have received throughout my entire high school years.Nav2Cal 2022 Student Fellow
To me, Nav2Cal means an environment where I can not only share my problems without hesitation but also get valid advice and encouragement. This is a trustworthy place with trustworthy people where it feels safe to be in, both mentally and physically.Nav2Cal 2021 Student Fellow
Nav2Cal is full of amazing, supportive people who just want the best for you! Their motives and ideas is what must be reached out to a wider audience if we want to make the world a better place.Nav2Cal Fellow (WCCUSD Class of 2020)
Nav2Cal means community to me. We all support each other no matter what our differences come out to be. Applying to college is such a competitive thing because every student is trying to “one-up” the other, but Nav2Cal made me realize that it doesn’t have to be that way. Working with other students and supporting them through this process is what will get all of us to college, not competing with them. We’re all a family.Nav2Cal Fellow (WCCUSD Class of 2020)
I have learned to speak up about my positive and negative experiences, all of which make me who I am. Nav2Cal has provided me a safe haven to express my feelings in a place where people understand the hardships of POCs. Nav2Cal has allowed me to be my authentic self whilst enhancing my abilities to tell my story. Nav2Cal has also taught me many life lessons such as "community over competition", the fact that "there is strength in vulnerability" and "we are not alone". Lastly, I have learned there is no shame in asking for help, even though, we've been brought up to be more 'independent' with immigrant parents.Nav2Cal Fellow (WCCUSD Class of 2021)