BY CYRIL REINICKE

In its second year, Mission Bay High’s First Gen Club continues to provide critical support for students working to be the first in their family to complete a four-year college degree.

“Our First Gen Club meets once a week and has 20-30 active members,” says club president and senior Cynthia Lopez. “Our club provides our members help with navigating college applications, scholarship opportunities, and other resources for high school students striving to be the first in their family to complete a four-year college degree.”

How did First Gen start? In San Diego, First Gen Scholars started as a nonprofit in 2019 by Jonathan Burgos, a first-generation student who remembered experiencing serious setbacks in his first quarter as a freshman at UCSD.

“I went from straight A's in high school to getting straight F's my first quarter at UCSD, where I was placed on academic probation and also lost a $12,000 scholarship (which was a lot of money in 1993),” Burgos said. “If it was not for people who cared and supported programs on campus, I would not be where I am today.”

After graduating from college, Burgos worked at Price Philanthropies in City Heights at Hoover High. It was there he discovered that working with the students and staff, as well as developing relationships with so many immigrant and refugee families, éllped them get into college, see them graduate, and go on to careers where they can thrive. This is what he wanted to do.

“While working with Price Philanthropies, I have personally helped over 800 first-generation low-income students from San Diego not just get into college but be awarded honors and full-ride opportunities,” Burgos said. “I will never get tired of seeing scholars from San Diego succeed!”

In 2019, Burgos started the First Gen Scholars in San Diego as a nonprofit organization. In January, First Gen Scholars of San Diego celebrated its fifth anniversary with clubs at 34 high schools in San Diego County and more than 300 active high school student members. The nonprofit has grown to include a professional staff dedicated to assisting in the college application process. (www.firstgenscholars.org).

“I would say my dad motivates me and inspires me the most,” said Mission Bay junior and First Gen Scholar Gizelle Paredes Rameriez. “His motivation to succeed pushed him to start his own company.”

Krystal Monroe, a cohort director at First Gen Scholars, remembers the challenges of being a first-generation student in her family. Monroe gives a reason for joining First Gen in May 2024. “I joined because of my strong desire to support students and young people in their higher education journeys. I am passionate about empowering them to achieve their educational goals and reach their full potential.”

As a Cohort Director, Monroe’s role is to provide individualized college coaching, advising, and guidance to Black students and emerging student leaders in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). “I support them at every stage of the college admission process, including researching schools, building college lists, writing college admission essays, and applying for financial aid and scholarships,” Monroe said.

Arnold Lopez, senior Director of Workforce Innovation, said that his decision to join the First Gen staff was deeply intentional. “I saw First Gen Scholars as an organization that truly understands the systematic barriers first-gen students face, not just getting into college, but in translating that education into long-term career success.

“I wanted to bring to First Gen Scholars an innovative approach to workforce readiness, integrating real-time market labor data, design thinking, and strategic partnerships to ensure our students graduate with both a degree and a clear actionable career trajectory,” he said.

Lopez has initiated and built partnerships with both local and national organizations in technology, healthcare, finance, and advanced manufacturing. “These organizations are invested in workforce development, recognize the need for a strong, diverse talent pipeline, and are experiencing rapid growth and a demand for skilled talent. First Gen is ready to meet that demand,” Lopez said.

“I feel great that these expectations are being put on me as it tells me I am doing my proper job,” dicho Derius McCovy, MBHS senior and First Gen Club leader. “Being seen [as a role model] makes me want to continue on the path I am on, being a leader for others.”

Mission Bay High’s First Gen Club president Cynthia Lopez Guerrero holds weekly meetings at lunch. Topics covered include how to apply for financial aid, navigating the requirements for college scholarships, and the daunting requirements of the college essays.

Senior Nuhamin Woldeyes said: “As a first-generation Ethiopian-American student, I wanted to connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges in the college application process. I am eager to learn more about opportunities or resources that can help me succeed.”

Junior Melanie Walker joined First Gen when a friend invited her. “The club offers lots of useful information for college such as scholarships, application deadlines, tips, great opportunities for juniors and seniors and even chances to visit amazing universities,” Walker said.

Senior Christopher Perez credits Ms. Cota, First Gen Club staff advisor and wellness Coordinator at Mission Bay, for his club introduction.

“The club is welcoming…a friendly environment where students can connect, learn, and feel more confident about their future,” Perez said. “Our First Gen Club at Mission Bay provides valuable guidance for students who are unsure about their plans after high school, including help with college applications, applying for financial aid, and other important steps in the process.”

A DEEPER LOOK

Over the last two years, I have written about the unique draw Mission Bay High’s reputation has not just outside the Pacific Beach community but across the City and throughout the County. The majority of the students I interviewed had selected Mission Bay because of its academic rigor, the IB program, and its music and language programs.

Junior Gizelle Paredes Ramirez said: “My parents enrolled me in Mission Bay. They told me it would be an amazing opportunity with extra courses and advanced placement classes that are not available at other campuses.

“College is something I want to complete because I will be the first in my family to attend…proving to them and myself that it can be done. Accomplishing the unexpected,” Ramirez added.

Perez’s journey to Mission Bay started at Lee Elementary, then sixth grade at Bell Middle, finishing at PB Middle and onto Mission Bay. “I am a first-gen student, so attending college isn’t just a personal goal for me, but it is also a way to honor my parents. Their sacrifices motivate me to succeed, and I have no reason to give up,” Perez said. “I want to make both my parents proud by completing my education with a four-year degree.”

Walker attended La Petite Ecole and the San Diego French American School for elementary and middle school and onto Mission Bay because of the IB Pathway. Taking a full IB/Advanced Placement class load this year as a junior, she is looking at UCSB, SDSU, Bates College, and Tulane University for fall 2026.

Prince Ntirandekura, a senior, is passionate about music and selected Mission Bay because of its award-winning music program. Staring elementary school in City Heights, Ntirandekura transferred to CPMA (creative performing and media arts) in Clairemont for middle school and onto Mission Bay. Ntirandekura is now the trombonist for the premier music ensemble, The Preservationists at Mission Bay.

“My current class load includes two music classes, micon, biology, physics, English, and Avid. The big reason I joined First Gen was because they care about helping us excel and getting scholarships,” adds Ntirandekura.

What motivates Ntirandekura? “I am motivated by my peers, mentors, and friends who have gone on to pursue their success. Seeing them work hard, achieve their own goals, and overcome challenges pushes me to strive for my dreams.”

Derius McCovy, a senior and student leader of the First Gen Club, attended the Language Academy for elementary and middle school. “I selected Mission Bay because of its IB program, and I wanted to continue my Spanish language development at the highest level possible,” McCovy said. Taking a full IB class load this semester, McCovy already has scholarship offers pending for next year.

“I have gained confidence in my ability to succeed,” Guerrero said. “Most importantly, First Gen has reminded me that I am not alone in this journey and that my hard work will pave the way for future generations in my family.”