Carlos Calito, SSU Alumnus, Gives Back to Undocumented Community
SSU alumnus Carlos Calito's journey from undocumented student to college undergraduate to working with the college access and success nonprofit (10KD) is one of fortitude, achievement, and giving back.
With enrolled in college throughout the U.S., and first- and second-generation students representing 31 percent of all those enrolled in higher education institutions, programs that help non-native students find their way to and through a university are crucial.
"There were a lot of barriers to getting into college, and I thought I was just going to be another undocumented worker, but I wanted something better for my future. I wanted to give back to my parents for their sacrifices, but I had no idea what my options were," Calito said of his high school experience before attending SSU.
Born in Guatemala City, Calito and his family came to the U.S. in 2015.
"We were in a new culture and new country, and I had to learn a different language. It was a huge battle for me to see any future for myself," he said.
Everything changed for Calito when the equity-focused scholarship provider 10KD gave a presentation at Petaluma High School during his sophomore year.
"I heard from someone with a similar background, who was an undocumented professional, that college was possible. That representation was very profound for me," he said.
For the next two years, Calito excelled academically, volunteered in the community, and set his sights on attending Sonoma State. With financial support through 10,000 Degrees, he was able to attend his university of choice.
"Every semester, my scholarship would come in, and I received that money for school. They kept true to their mission of helping me into college, and I could not have been there without them," he said.
While attending SSU, Calito was an Educational Opportunity Program student and received support from Sonoma State's (Dreamers Resources Empowerment Advocacy Mentoring) Center.
DREAM Center Coordinator Alma Sanchez-Carreno said she was impressed by Calito's campus involvement and determination to give back to those who gave to him.
"He shared that he was motivated to work with 10,000 Degrees as a fellow and pay it forward to other students impacted by the immigration system," she said.
Calito said the DREAM Center also helped him through his academic journey.
"They were my absolute angels; truly a dream for someone like myself," he said.
"Everything they help you with is vital for students like me to succeed academically and professionally. I don't think I would have finished my degree without them," Calito added.
After graduating from SSU with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Calito applied for a position with 10KD as a College Access Fellow and got the job.
"It was a full-circle moment for me and completely changed my life. Here I am supporting students like myself and taking a big step in my professional development," he said.
Citlali Montañez, 10KD College Access Fellow for the Napa Valley area, was one of Calito's managers.
"Carlos is passionate about helping not only students but also families in understanding the process of higher education, whether that is applying to college or financial aid," she said.
Rodrigo Vasquez Lopez grew up with Calito, and as young undocumented students navigating their way in a new country, the boys supported each other's journey to college.
"Carlos always motivated me to keep pushing and looking for something greater than I thought I could ever achieve," Lopez said.
Lopez, who also works at 10KD as a Career Success Coordinator, said he, too, finds his employment to be a fortunate full-circle experience.
"We're working for the same organization that helped us so much, and now we are helping students. It's very satisfying to me," he said.
Calito, Lopez, Sanchez-Carreno, and Montañez agreed that it’s a challenge for undocumented students to get accepted into college, graduate, and find a profession.
"It's complicated. Learning a new language, trying to fit in as a teenager, knowing the laws, and understanding the different systems is a lot," Lopez said.
Sanchez-Carreno said it is vital to pay attention to constant changes in the immigration system and to support undocumented students so that they thrive during college and beyond.
"The Dreamers and immigrants are the backbone of the country," she said.
Calito couldn't agree more.
“Undocumented students are my heroes. We are the change makers," he said.
Krista Sherer - Strategic Communications Writer