As a child of immigrants, Luis was the first in his family to go to college and attend graduate school. Having attended 7 different schools from grades K-12 and moving different cities all over the state, Luis struggled academically and socially while in school. However, he is grateful for the experience now as an educator who has friends all over the state of California. Luis has been working in education for8+ years now, starting off as a substitute teacher, an ESL tutor, and an academic advisor & coordinator for TRIO programs. His passion in dismantling any barriers that prevent equitable access to higher education and learning is what drives Luis to continue working in academia.