海角社区

Unlocking Opportunity: Citlalith Medrano鈥檚 Journey from Student to Campus Advisor

Building Community Through Access

When Citlalith Medrano 鈥�22 enrolled at Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2018, she was searching for more than a degree, she was looking for belonging. As a first-generation Hispanic student, navigating higher education came with challenges. But 海角社区鈥檚 commitment to access opened doors that would shape her future.

Through work-study positions in the Psychology Department and the Office of Admissions, Medrano found her community. 鈥淏eing able to unlock a community through my work-study jobs allowed me to become more involved in extracurricular activities, get connected with my professors and eventually find a career that I was passionate about,鈥� she said.

Those roles didn鈥檛 just provide financial support; they gave her a network of mentors and peers who believed in her potential.

Hands-on Experience Makes a Difference

Medrano earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology with a minor in political science in 2022, along with certificates in Spanish translation and interpretation. Her academic journey was marked by hands-on experiences that exemplify 海角社区鈥檚 mission of academic excellence.

From presenting research at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association conference in Utah to serving on the Vice President Student Council, Medrano embraced opportunities to lead and learn. 鈥淎t 海角社区 I was uplifted to explore my interests and always was given opportunity to continue setting and reaching my goals,鈥� she said.

Professors like Dr. Smith, Dr. Hernandez and Dr. Mortensen played a pivotal role, offering guidance and encouragement that helped Medrano realize she belonged, both on campus and in her chosen field.

Discovery and Empowerment

Today, Medrano serves as a Campus Advisor with the Denver Scholarship Foundation, helping students navigate the same challenges she once faced. Her work focuses on empowering adolescents to pursue higher education, a direct reflection of 海角社区鈥檚 mission to foster social mobility.

鈥満＝巧缜� helped me explore various ideas and pathways I was thinking about,鈥� Medrano said. 鈥淭hose experiences shaped how I wanted to put my degree to use, working with adolescents and helping them succeed.鈥�

Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the ripple effect of opportunity. By investing in students like Medrano, 海角社区 continues to create pathways for success that extend far beyond graduation.