Growing up in severe poverty, Zoe was determined to build a better life for herself. Born in California but raised in Mexico, she did not have the privilege of attending school after the 4th grade. Thankfully, Zoe's perseverance led her to find a way back to the states, where she attended a continuation school at the age of 16. In just two years, she was able to graduate high school and obtain a scholarship for a local community college in the Central Valley.
Zoe's own struggles with education have not only resulted in an immense appreciation for it, but have inspired her to get involved. Before transferring to Berkeley, Zoe worked as a teacher's assistant for a high school back home. Zoe is from a small town called Delano, which not only has rich history thanks to Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers, but has a large immigrant population hailing from Central and Southern America. This means schools in the area have numerous students whose first language is Spanish, and who do not speak English at home. Zoe's job consisted of helping these students navigate curriculum that does not cater to English as a second language.
Currently, Zoe is a Peer Advocate for TRIO Student Support Services on campus. In her free time, she is involved in volunteer work, serving as the Fellowship chair for the service organization Cal Rotaract. Zoe also enjoys writing as a form of advocacy, hoping to finish her minor in journalism this upcoming summer.
Major(s): Media Studies
Minor(s):