Growing up in Racine, Wis., Karla (far left) is the middle child of three sisters. (Photo courtesy of Karla Sanchez)
When Karla Sanchez was growing up, college seemed like an impossible dream. Born to Mexican immigrants, she spoke primarily Spanish until first or second grade and struggled with her early education.
“Growing up in my household, college was really never a topic of conversation,” Sanchez said. “So, I kind of grew up with the mentality that it wasn’t a possibility for me.”
But Sanchez developed a love of school and sparked a particular interest in science and math. In high school, she decided she wanted to become an engineer.
Enter UW-Platteville.
Upon touring UW-Platteville during her senior year of high school, Sanchez immediately knew it was the school for her.
“I love the small campus,” she said. “I love the Platteville community. It was just heartwarming, the people here are amazing. The campus itself, I just thought was a perfect fit for me.”
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However, the road to UW-Platteville’s esteemed engineering program as a first-generation student wasn’t without its challenges.
Karla fell in love with UW-Platteville and the community, calling it a “perfect fit” for her. (Photo courtesy of Karla Sanchez)
“The main obstacle for being a first-generation student was just coming into college without knowing all the support and resources that are around you,” Sanchez said – despite getting encouragement from her parents. “There is a lot of that transition period from a high school to a college student. It is a long tedious process that a lot of people underestimate.”
With assistance and a little push from UW-Platteville’s faculty and staff, Sanchez faced her challenges head-on and is now reaping the benefits.
After attending a career fair in her sophomore year, she received an internship opportunity at Modine Manufacturing Company in Racine, Wis., and has continued to work there throughout her time at UW-Platteville. Now, she has been offered and accepted a full-time position with the company upon graduation in May.
“Platteville in general changed my life,” Sanchez said. “I feel like I am not the person I am today if I weren’t a student here. I feel like being a student here has really shaped the person I am.”
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Written by Ethan Schuh, Universities of Wisconsin