As we near the end of summer, I find myself reflecting on the many moments, lessons and
opportunities that shaped this season of growth. When I first began this internship with Oregon
State University’s Open Campus and Juntos, I knew it would be an enriching experience, but I
couldn’t have imagined just how many hats I would wear along the way.

Some days, I was a chauffeur, driving teens to and from camps. On other days, I was a project
manager, coordinating schedules, deadlines and communication to ensure things ran smoothly. I
stepped into the role of event coordinator more than once, setting up spaces, organizing materials
and preparing for the parents and students who would walk through the door. And in between, I
found myself doing administrative work, data entry and even serving as a panelist for a Q&A
session at Chemeketa’s La Bienvenida event. Every day brought something new and each role
taught me a valuable lesson about adaptability, leadership and the importance of stepping in
wherever needed.

This summer was also defined by the projects I had the privilege to be a part of. I supported three
youth camps that gave students the chance to learn, explore and imagine their futures. I reached
out to recent high school graduates to share resources and opportunities available to them,
helping them take that important next step after graduation. I facilitated a series of four
workshops entirely in Spanish, my favorite role, creating a space where parents felt comfortable,
included and empowered to support their children’s educational journeys. I was also able to
represent Oregon State University in the Fiesta Mexicana Parade, where I was proud to include
my daughter.

As my internship comes to an end, I look back with deep gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had,
the people I’ve met and the growth I’ve experienced both personally and professionally. I’m
grateful for the incredible team I worked alongside, especially my supervisor, Yuri Reyes, whose
strong yet compassionate leadership has given me invaluable insight into the kind of professional
I hope to become.

This summer has been a lot of work, but also so much fun! As I take the next steps in my
education and career, I’ll carry with me the lessons I’ve learned and the lasting impact of my
summer with Oregon State University Extension.

– Lucia Rocha

My name is Lucia Rocha, and as a 38-year-old mother of two, I am not what usually comes to
mind when you think of a typical college intern. My road to higher education hasn’t been easy
or linear. It’s been shaped by grief, perseverance and a deep desire to create a life of purpose
for myself and my family.

Growing up in a low-income household, college wasn’t something my parents could afford for
me. I entered the workforce right after high school and quickly worked my way up. Then, as I
began to grow in my career, my mother and I were in a car accident that took her life.
Heartbroken, I pushed forward and continued working hard and trying to rebuild my life.

My perseverance and potential were recognized by the company’s owner, who awarded me a
small scholarship. This reignited my dreams of pursuing a higher education. I enrolled in college
and worked full-time while attending school full-time, determined to succeed. But just as I was
nearing the completion of my degree, the company went out of business. I lost my job,
scholarship and once again had to put my education on hold.

I soon started a new job, worked hard and found stability in my career. Shortly after, I became a
mother, and my dreams of a higher education were pushed even further back. Just as I was
preparing for a promotion, my brother and 12-year-old niece passed away unexpectedly. Their
loss reminded me just how fragile life is and forced me to reflect on what truly mattered.
In late 2023, I made the difficult decision to leave behind the career I had worked so hard to
build and return to school full-time. Although not an easy choice, it was the best choice for my
children and me. I wanted them to see that it’s never too late to start over or chase your
dreams.

My hard work and dedication paid off. This June, I received my associate’s degree in business
from Chemeketa Community College. I was also awarded the Ford Family Foundation
Opportunity Scholarship to pursue my bachelor’s degree at Oregon State University. I have the
honor of interning with the Oregon State University Extension Service in Marion County, where
I support the Juntos and Open Campus programs. I’ve spent much of my life in service to
others, through my work at the Oregon Department of Human Services, creating a youth group
at my church, co-founding a nonprofit and volunteering in my children’s schools.

This internship has given me something new: the opportunity to serve my community while
growing in my role as a student and professional. So far, I’ve been helping with outreach to high
school graduates, guiding them through college orientation, registering for classes and
whatever they may need as they step into their future. I’ve reached out to students and
families in both English and Spanish, offering support in a way that feels natural to who I am.
It’s been rewarding to be that helping hand, especially for families who might otherwise feel
unsure about navigating these systems.

What I’ve appreciated most is having a unique opportunity to connect with students, parents
and the passionate professionals I’m learning from. I am currently in all their shoes, which
allows me to connect with them in a way that not all interns can. However, even with my
experience, I’m still growing, I’m still learning and I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.
This internship isn’t just a stepping stone, it’s part of a bigger journey, a reminder that starting
over isn’t failure; it’s a choice. And sometimes, it’s the bravest one we can make. I am excited
for the future, both in and out of this internship.