From Dreams to Reality: A Mission Graduates Journey
At just sixteen years old, Gilda Temaj Marroquin made a decision that would change her life forever. Growing up in Guatemala where opportunities for girls were limited, she took an extraordinary risk: telling her family she wanted to move to the United States to pursue her education.
“Women didn’t usually take such bold steps,” Gilda reflects, “but the limited options I saw ahead of me propelled me to forge my own path.”
Arriving in San Francisco as an unaccompanied minor, Gilda faced the daunting challenges of adapting to a new culture and learning English while attending San Francisco International High School. It was there that she connected with Mission Graduates’ College Connect program, opening doors she never thought possible.
“Thanks to College Connect, I thrived in school and achieved my dream of attending UC Berkeley—something I never could have imagined,” she shares. The program provided comprehensive support: college preparation workshops, academic advising, campus tours, and a dedicated writing partner who helped her craft compelling essays and secure vital scholarships.
But Mission Graduates’ support didn’t end with college acceptance. Throughout her time at Berkeley, the organization remained a steady presence, ensuring she had the resources and guidance needed to become the first in her family to graduate from college. Even before graduation, Gilda joined our Career Readiness Series, which provided crucial mentorship and professional development as she prepared to enter the workforce.
Today, Gilda’s journey has come full circle. She now works with College Connect, mentoring students who share the same dreams she once held. As both a staff member and Board Member, she brings unique insight to her role, understanding firsthand the challenges faced by first-generation college students and immigrant youth.
“Many of our students face immense pressures, often having to compromise rather than choose college,” Gilda explains. “Yet, like me, they possess incredible potential. When you create a space where students have the tools, knowledge, and resources to learn and grow, amazing things happen.”
For Gilda, success isn’t just about college completion—it’s about building confidence and self-worth that extends far beyond the classroom. “Become your own role model,” she advises current students. “Be intentional about your growth, practice consistently, and don’t be afraid to try new things.”
Her story exemplifies Mission Graduates’ vision: making college the expectation, not the exception, for San Francisco youth. Through comprehensive support, dedicated mentorship, and unwavering belief in students’ potential, we’re transforming dreams into reality, one student at a time.
