Spring 2025 Advanced Students

^{Andy is a first-generation student who was born and raised in Gilroy and currently resides in South San Francisco. As a Criminal Justice major, he is passionate about pursuing a career in law and has plans to attend law school. Andy is bilingual in Spanish and English.}

^{Andrea is a first-generation Salvadoran-American college student from San Salvador, El Salvador. She is scheduled to graduate with a degree in Justice Studies with a concentration in Criminology in Spring 2025. After graduation, she plans to attend law school. Andrea joined the Record Clearance Project to deepen her understanding of how different communities have been impacted by the justice system. She is bilingual in Spanish and English.} 

^{Brian, born and raised in Oakland, California, Brian experienced firsthand the challenges of living in a low-income community. Originally a Psychology major, Brian later switched to Justice Studies, discovering a passion for addressing systemic issues in the justice system. Brian plans to pursue a master's degree in Justice Studies. Brian’s involvement with RCP has been transformative, providing insight into the struggles of individuals trying to rebuild their lives after incarceration. Hearing their stories of wanting to change and desire to support their families has had a profound impact, reinforcing his commitment to helping those in need.} 

^{Camila is a first-generation student majoring in Justice Studies with a concentration in Criminology and a minor in Forensic Science. The Record Clearance Project has solidified her decision to pursue a career as a paralegal after graduation, with the goal of attending law school in the future. Camila speaks Spanish.} 

^{Daniela is a first-generation college student, born and raised in San Jose, California. She is majoring in Justice Studies with a concentration in Criminology. With a passion for social justice and rehabilitation, Daniela joined the Record Clearance Project to become an advocate and assist community members in rebuilding their futures. Daniela plans to pursue a career as a court clerk with a focus on criminal records.}

^{Danna is a first-generation college student from San Jose majoring in Justice Studies, with a concentration in Criminology. Danna plans to attend law school with the goal of becoming an attorney representing the immigrant community. She also is interested in assisting individuals within the justice system who suffer from mental disorders. Danna is bilingual in English and Spanish.}

^{Eduardo, a first-generation college student, is deeply committed to helping those in need. As a Justice Studies major, Eduardo is determined to leave a lasting, positive impact on the community. He sees his involvement with the Record Clearance Project as making a difference and creating meaningful change. Eduardo speaks Spanish.}

^{Emily, a San Diego native, is majoring in Justice Studies with a criminology concentration. With a passion for community activism, she began volunteering as a teen first responder in high school, working with the San Diego Police Department for two years to support victims in the aftermath of tragedy. Emily spent a summer in Bali teaching English to children. Through a semester-long study abroad program in Greece, she volunteered with a local non-profit organization that helped Syrian refugees rebuild their lives. Her experiences have deepened her commitment to social justice both domestically and internationally. Emily is grateful to make a positive impact through her involvement with the Record Clearance Project.}

^{Fatima is Filipino and raised in San Jose, CA. Majoring in Justice Studies with a concentration in Criminology and is minoring in Architecture Studies, she is interested in becoming a paralegal. Joining the Record Clearance Project deepened her interest in law, allowing her to practice legal skills that help expunge people’s records. Fatima can converse in Ilonggo and Bisaya and understands basic Tagalog.}

^{Jonathan was born and raised in Watsonville, California. He is a first-generation student pursuing a B.S. in Justice Studies with a concentration in criminology. Jonathan joined the Record Clearance Project as he was inspired to help those in most need and support individuals deserving of a second chance. After graduation, Jonathan plans to enter law enforcement and work towards a reformative justice system, equipped with communicative skill sets and goals to protect his community. He speaks Spanish.}

^{Karina is a first-generation college student born and raised in San Jose. Her parents are immigrants from Mexico, allowing her to have dual citizenship. She is majoring in Justice Studies with a concentration in Criminology and is due to graduate in Spring 2025. Karina has a passion for helping her community, especially those whose English isn't their first language. Karina is fluent in Spanish.}

^{Melissa is majoring in Justice Studies and minoring in Forensic Science. She plans to attend law school after graduating in Spring 2025. Originally from Oakland, Melissa is passionate about helping others, a passion that has been fueled by her involvement with the RCP. She believes in the importance of ensuring that people feel heard and are provided with the necessary resources. Melissa is fluent in Spanish.}

^{Natalia was born and raised in Salinas. She is currently majoring in Justice Studies with a concentration in Criminology. Being involved in RCP has granted her the opportunity to help individuals be given a second chance, as the law provides. Natalia is interested in working as a paralegal, perhaps as an investigator for a public defenders office, or working in the juvenile justice system. She is developing her basic Spanish to fully communicate with the Latinx community} 

^{Nhu, a first-generation college student, grew up in San Jose. She hopes to become someone who can help people regain their voices that were silenced by the criminal justice system. Nhu is grateful to be a part of the Record Clearance Project where she has the opportunity to learn and use legal skills to help people clear their criminal records. Nhu speaks Vietnamese.}

^{Raquel was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She is majoring in Justice Studies with a concentration in Criminology and will graduate in Spring of 2025. After graduation, she plans to attend law school. Raquel joined the Record Clearance Project because she is passionate about helping people and hopes to make a change within our justice system.}

^{Reyna a Justice Studies major, began volunteering with the California Department of Corrections through Maranatha Christian Center’s Prison and Jail Ministry under Pastor Anthony Williams, PhD. There, she found fulfillment in connecting with re-entry clients eager to start fresh. She earned a California Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certificate at San Jose City College and a Certified Paralegal Certificate at Evergreen Valley College. Reyna plans to attend law school and later become a judge.} 

^{Tina is a student majoring in Justice Studies with a concentration in Criminology. She is excited to be working with the RCP. Tina speaks Arabic and French.}

^{Tyler is from San Jose and has a passion for law and education. A part-time swim teacher, Tyler plans to become a lawyer.} 

^{Vanessa was born and raised in San Jose, California. She is a first-generation college student and speaks fluent Spanish. A transfer student from Evergreen Valley College, Vanessa is a Justice Studies major, with a minor in Forensic Science. She is proud to work with the RCP to use legal skills and provide legal information to those who are interested in expunging their records, and to work with RCP’s mentoring program to help individuals to get back on track in society. Her dream is to advocate for those who have been suppressed within the justice system. After graduating, Vanessa plans to join the police academy and become a homicide detective.}