The transition to college can be challenging for both parents and students, especially when there’s a language barrier. Nuvia Mendoza, a college success director at DSST: Montview High School in Denver, sought to ease this process for freshmen at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Having faced her own difficulties as a freshman—a decade ago—Mendoza realized the lack of resources for students like her. She advocated for Spanish orientation sessions at CU Boulder, which took place this summer and received positive responses from both faculty and families.
Mendoza noted that many parents were anxious and had questions about supporting their children and ensuring their safety. Understanding the pivotal role of families, she emphasizes addressing students’ concerns openly and meeting them where they are. As she prepares her senior class for college applications, Mendoza plans to seek funding to expand orientation services for Latino families, aiming to support even more students in their transition to higher education.
