My name is Domenique Robledo, and I am 33 years old.  I am currently at Palo Alto College studying Business Administration. I am on track to transfer over to Texas A&M San Antonio in the Fall of 2024. Aside from my family being my biggest support and motivation for going back to school, being turned down for a promotion because I did not have the degree was a breaking point in my life. I had to make a change, so I decided to enroll at PAC, which turned out to be the best decision I ever made for myself. Long-term, I see myself thriving in my career possibly with the city, but if I was able to become a full-time permanent employee at PAC, I would love that just as much. PAC is home for me; this school has given me so many opportunities for which I will forever be grateful. I will always give back to the place that gave me a chance to be something bigger than I even pictured for myself.

Catch the Next was the first organization that I joined.  My ENGL 1302 instructor brought in the stole, and I was in love and hooked.  I knew I wanted it and would do anything to get it, so I joined. Shortly after that, I applied to be in PAC Honors, then I got the invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa.  I ran for election for the Student Government Association, and I was then invited to join the National Society of Leadership and Success. Lastly, I was recommended by the president of PAC to become a Palo Alto Ambassador.

I was motivated to be so involved because I am not your traditional student. I am older and at first, I was very intimidated because of my age. I had the mentality that I was too old and being involved in organizations was for the younger students. But I was accepted with open arms, and have actually become really great friends with some of the people in my organizations. It works out really well. When some of them are having a hard time understanding something from their parents, I offer the same advice, but because I have that friend relationship, they understand it differently; and they help me see things differently when it’s the other way around, when I may not be understanding my daughter. I also wanted to make a difference and show other students like myself that it is ok to get involved at school and have your voice heard. There have been quite a few people who have influenced me, but if I had to mention one person it would be Vice President Katherine Doss. She helped me overcome my difficulties; she was a safe place for me to be the most vulnerable and reminded me of my “why.” I will forever be grateful for the relationship we have built.