A Parent’s Story

Navigating the First-Generation College Journey

Guadalupe Garcia thought college for her son Asael was just a dream – one that she and her husband had no experience navigating and couldn’t see happening for him. “My husband and I were supporting him, but neither of us went to college, so we didn’t have any background to draw on in how to choose a school, write an application or find financial aid,” she said.

Then came the New Mexico Simon Scholars Program (NMSSP).

Asael

Asael’s teacher introduced him to the opportunity during his sophomore year at Santa Fe High. The NMSSP team came to the classroom, presented the program, and from that point on, Asael was determined. He applied and was accepted as a Simon Scholar that spring.

Guadalupe notes that when her son was accepted, his motivation kicked in even more. “He knew what he needed to focus on, and he had definite goals to work toward,” she said. “Simon Scholars tutored him and advised him on the classes to take based on the engineering career he wants. They provided a real foundation and a plan.”

NMSSP also awarded Asael a scholarship and guided him toward other resources, including the competitive Davis Scholarship, which he received upon high school graduation.

Now a student at the University of Portland, where he is studying civil engineering with a minor in construction management, Asael is actively involved on campus. He serves as president of the American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter and vice president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and he continues to count the NMSSP team as part of his support network. Regular check-ins with his program liaison help keep him on track as he navigates a challenging workload, leadership responsibilities, professors and other college experiences.

Guadalupe acknowledges feeling some fear about her son going so far away for college. “My husband and I didn’t know what to expect – from what he needed to take to where he would live,” she said. “But we met with the Simon Scholars staff frequently in this process, and they talked to us about the basics like what he should pack and prepare for. That gave us some relief and a better understanding.”

Today Guadalupe shares her story with other parents whose sophomores are considering applying to become New Mexico Simon Scholars. “I’ve noticed some parents are afraid for their kids like we were,” she said. “I talk to them and tell them it’s ok. You have to give your student the opportunity, especially when they want to go away to college. I tell them Simon Scholars is not a program where they forget about you. They’re local, and they’re a text or phone call away for the students and for the parents.”

Asael is the oldest of four, and his three sisters are learning from his experiences. “I don’t know what the future will hold for them, but he has planted the seed for them,” Guadalupe said. “We’re so grateful to the Simon Scholars program. Joining Simon was the beginning of the whole journey for our family.”

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About New Mexico Simon Scholars Program

Celebrating our 20^th anniversary in the 2025-26 school year, the New Mexico Simon Scholars Program (NMSSP) is a core program of The Simon Charitable Foundation that coaches and propels students from underserved communities in Albuquerque and Santa Fe to attain their dream of a college degree. Our program is the only one of its kind to provide not only essential funding assistance for college but also empowering support for students from junior year in high school through college graduation. Partner public high schools include Albuquerque High, Highland High, South Valley Academy, Santa Fe High and Capital High. Community education partners include Nusenda Credit Union, Santa Fe Community College, St. John’s College, College and Career Plaza and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Program collaborators that offer financial or experiential opportunities to Scholars include Davis New Mexico Scholarship, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Thornburg Investment Management and Globe Runner Scholarship Fund. To ensure continued growth, NMSSP values support from community organizations, educational institutions and prospective employers. For more information, visit us at nmsimonscholars.org.

Contact:
Hilary Spittle (on behalf of New Mexico Simon Scholars Program)
216.712.2005
hilaryspittle@outlook.com