I take seriously my role as a Latino-American, first-generation college and Ph.D. graduate to uplift communities who overcome barriers to pursue higher education and improve the station of their family and community. I take seriously my role as a former college dropout and incarcerated person who has responded to life crises with help from higher education as a source of hope to any students who doubt their belonging or chance of success at achieving a better life. I take seriously my role as a mentor of students old and young, light and dark, able bodied or not. Please consider me an ally for all students and my sphere of influence as a safe space of learning and guidance.