Evelyn Estrada-Perez

Foothill College - Sociology Major
Paly, Class of 2024

Updated August 2025

Q: What was your experience like going to Paly?

A: My experience at Paly was incredibly enriching. Learning new, academically challenging subjects each year was made easy by the amazing teachers at Paly, who crafted the curriculum and form of instruction that showcased their values as instructors. Some of my favorite classes were my history classes from my sophomore and junior years because my teachers taught and tested our learning through creative projects and summative writing assessments instead of multiple choice tests. This allowed my critical thinking skills to skyrocket and sparked my love for the social sciences. The child development classes I took at Paly were also some of my favorites. Being able to partake in fieldwork experiences at Greendell and Escondido Elementary Schools allowed me to take my learning to the next level in the best possible way and also drove my passion for working with children in the future.

Q: How did you first hear about RTE?

A: I first heard about RTE during my junior year of high school when I was walking past the College and Career Center. There was an RTE flyer underneath the scholarships bulletin board and I saw that they worked to support low-income, first-gen students, so I wrote the website down in my Notes app so I could remember to apply during my senior year. By the time senior year rolled around, I found out that completing only one scholarship application would allow me to apply to RTE and other scholarships like it, and I thought, “How amazing!”

Q: How has RTE impacted your life?

A: Besides financial and academic support— which I am incredibly grateful for— RTE has provided me with an immense amount of support on a more personal level. My mentor, Lisa Daly, cared about more than just my grades and financial matters— she cared about my emotional and physical well-being. She was constantly checking up on me throughout the year and provided a safe space for me to open up about what my first year of college was really like, which was more downs than ups. She was there for me throughout major life changes, consistently applauding me for my resilience, which is something I will never forget.

Q: Did any adults help/support you in the process of getting TO and THROUGH college? How?

A: As I’ve mentioned, Lisa has been one of my biggest supporters throughout my first year of college— I truthfully couldn’t have finished my first year without her always having my back in every decision I made. My counselor, Tilly Wu, and my work-study coordinator, Andrea Lara Galvan, also helped me a lot when I first started at Foothill. The first thing they both told me when I met them was that I belonged at Foothill and that there was nothing I couldn’t do. Lastly, my family was by far the biggest support system I had that ultimately helped me get to and through my first year. They are my rock. They helped keep me grounded and in the peaceful present when my mental health began to decline throughout my freshman year. They also supported me in every decision I made and made me feel safe amidst moments of chaos and confusion.

Q: What has college been like for you? Have you faced any challenges or had any notable successes?

A: I struggled a lot in my first year of college. It was more of a mental, emotional struggle rather than an academic one, but it made getting through this first year so much harder. Since the year began with a change of plans on what school I’d be attending, it was a bit chaotic for a while. Thankfully, I was able to get all the classes that I needed and even started looking into a tutoring job with EOPS. However, my mental health suffered a lot throughout my fall and winter quarters, which was something I was very open about with my mentor Lisa. With her guidance and the support of the people around me, things began looking up during my spring quarter! Although my first year was a lot more mentally and emotionally draining than I had anticipated, I am incredibly grateful for what I learned and how I grew despite my struggles. I learned to lean more on my faith in God and speak up about my struggles and embrace the support systems I had around me so I don’t have to be alone in them. I wouldn’t change a thing about my first year of college. I’m proud of myself for getting through such a difficult year and for advocating for myself when I needed to. Despite the many lows, there were definitely many highs as well, and I can’t wait to start my second year with a much more motivated, growth mindset!

Q: Where do you hope to transfer to from Foothill?

A: I hope to transfer to the same university as my twin sister! Martha and I have been through a lot together, much more than two young girls growing into young adults should ever have to go through. Right now, we are the only family we have left, so we might as well continue looking out for each other as our journey extends beyond Foothill. Staying closer to home is a bit more ideal for me, like Santa Clara University or UC Berkeley, but I definitely feel like Southern California is calling my name!

Q: What is your goal after college?

A: After college, I also plan on getting hands-on experience through internships, volunteer work, and hopefully jobs that allow me to explore my career interests further, whether that relates to working with children, the criminal justice system, community outreach, or case management. I also plan on obtaining my Master's degree in Social Work soon after college to become a social worker! I’m still figuring out what kind of field I want to work in, but I definitely want to work with children— whether that be through pediatric medical social work or juvenile justice.