Spectrum News 1 recently showcased Jessica Antonio-Gutierrez, a freshman at UW-Madison who hopes to become a teacher.
Antonio-Gutierrez, a first-generation college student, comments on her experience: “I definitely think it’s a struggle because I’m figuring out certain things and I can’t really talk to my parents about it, but I think it’s pretty exciting and a great opportunity for me.”
Her parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico 20 years ago, currently live in Milwaukee with Antonio-Gutierrez’s uncle and her three younger siblings. She tells Spectrum News 1 that her parents have taught her the meaning of hard work.
Additionally, Antonio-Gutierrez sees her siblings as her reason for always pushing forward. “It shows my siblings that we can go to college and for my parents specifically, we talk about what it means to have an education and they say it’s their dream being fulfilled,” she tells Spectrum 1 News.
Antonio-Gutierrez is also a recipient of Bucky’s Tuition Promise, which she reports has allowed her to have a college experience with less financial anxiety. The program guarantees scholarships and grants to pay for tuition and segregated fees for students whose household adjusted gross income (AGI) is $60,000 or less. Incoming freshmen receive eight consecutive semesters (four years) of free tuition and segregated fees, while transfer students will receive four semesters (two years).
After graduating from UW-Madison, Antonio-Gutierrez tells Spectrum News 1 that she hopes to become a teacher and inspire other first generation students to pursue their dreams.
Check out the Spectrum News 1 report here.