Celebrating Our 2025 First in Family College Scholarship Recipients
There is something profoundly powerful about being the first. It means stepping into unknown territory with courage. It means breaking generational barriers. This year, Share Ourselves was proud to honor 21 students from Back Bay, Costa Mesa, and Estancia High Schools through its First in Family College Scholarship Program.
At a heartfelt reception on May 20th, family members, counselors, and community partners came together to celebrate the determination these students have as they forge a new path. Speakers shared reflections on what it means to be the first and offered advice.
“50% of the students that go to college actually drop out before they even get to the second year,” said Rudy Ramos, Share Ourselves Chief Operations Officer. “Keep showing up. If you just show up to that first day of the second year, you’ve already increased your chances by 50%.”
Patricia Falzon, Executive Director of College Advancement at Orange Coast College, spoke about her experiences as a first-generation college student and reminded the scholars that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. “There are so many people on campus to help. They are there for your success,” Falzon said.
The First in Family College Scholarship is more than a financial award. It’s recognition of everything it takes to get to this point. Along with a $1,000 tuition scholarship, each student receives a laptop, gift cards for school supplies, and a college sweatshirt to wear with pride. More importantly, they receive a community of support cheering them on every step of the way.
“There will be so many more first achievements in your lives,” said Will Klatte, Share Ourselves Board Chairman. “More first achievements in your families, first achievements in your communities, first achievements in the nation, maybe even first achievements in the world. It takes a huge amount of courage and self-determination to do what you’ve done.”
This program reflects the heart of Share Ourselves’ mission. When we invest in first-generation students, we’re not just changing one life — we’re changing the trajectory of families, neighborhoods, and futures.