{"id":7015,"date":"2025-01-06T01:30:20","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T01:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/collegetrack.wpenginepowered.com\/?post_type=press&p=7015"},"modified":"2026-07-23T18:26:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T18:26:09","slug":"trusting-the-process-xitlalis-inspiring-journey-to-empower-others","status":"publish","type":"scholar_story","link":"https:\/\/collegetrack.org\/es\/scholar-stories\/trusting-the-process-xitlalis-inspiring-journey-to-empower-others\/","title":{"rendered":"Trusting the Process: Xitlali’s Inspiring Journey to Empower Others"},"template":"","community_tax":[151],"partner":[],"program":[],"class_list":["post-7015","scholar_story","type-scholar_story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","community_tax-east-palo-alto-ca"],"acf":{"details":{"featured_image":16482,"authors":"","abstract":"","helper_taxonomies":{"article_type":false,"community_tax":[151],"partner":false,"program":false,"role":false,"region":false}},"page_layout":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"What does it mean to trust the process, especially when taking a leap of faith in one\u2019s academic future? For Xitlali, trusting the process isn\u2019t just a phrase; it\u2019s a way of life, grounded in persistence and mentorship.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAn avid scholar-activist and innovative thinker, Xitlali shines a light wherever she goes. She\u2019s bold, authentic, and confidently changing the world around her. A proud graduate of the University of California, Irvine, she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Policy and Public Service, with a minor in Education Sciences. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting others is fueled by a passion for supporting those in their moments of strength and vulnerability.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThroughout life, Xitlali embodies the African proverb that \u201cit takes a village.\u201d Her village? Her family, friends, and the supportive community at College Track East Palo Alto, where her journey began. There, she didn\u2019t just receive encouragement; she poured into the lives of her peers, advocating for others throughout her collegiate experience and beyond.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAt the beginning of her educational journey, Xitlali initially faced uncertainty about her academic path. \u201cI felt lost and doubted my capabilities,\u201d she recalls. In those moments of confusion, she chose to lean into the idea of trusting the process. \u201cI was like, okay, well let\u2019s just trust the process. I maintained my persistence.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\nAt College Track, Xitlali discovered not just support, but a nurturing environment where mentors illuminated her potential. They introduced her to public speaking opportunities and sparked her interest in a career in the political field. \u201cThey took my hand and showed me the light,\u201d she shares. Recognizing the critical need for community among first-generation college students, Xitlali emphasizes the importance of support. \u201cWe need that sense of stability and care from someone who\u2019s been through the process,\u201d she explains. College Track provided that constant presence, ensuring she never felt alone on her journey. She continued, \u201cThey [College Track] give you that hand, that support, and that feeling that they\u2019re never gonna leave.\u201d During the pandemic, her mentors remained steadfast, reinforcing her belief in her capabilities and igniting her desire to give back.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nDuring her junior year of high school, Xitlali transferred from a charter school to pursue dual enrollment, setting the stage for her two-year experience at UC Irvine. Although she initially doubted her readiness, the unwavering support from College Track helped her transition seamlessly. \u201cThey never pulled away,\u201d she recalls, highlighting the crucial role of mentorship. \u201cIt was nice to know that there were people who believed in me, a Mexican-American little girl who once didn\u2019t see the potential within myself.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\nThroughout her academic journey, Xitlali learned that she is more than capable and will always have a community supporting her every step. From there, a desire within her to share this knowledge with others was planted. At College Track\u2019s EPA site, she founded a club called, \u201cBreaking Barriers,\u201d which addressed mental health issues and provided a safe space for students to share what was on their minds, hearts, and within their daily lives.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAt UC Irvine, Xitlali\u2019s academic journey led her to research the persistence of under-resourced, first-generation college students. Her 80-page thesis explored the supports that help students at UC Irvine achieve their goals exploring factors like time management, faculty interactions, and access to resources. As a mentor in the Student Success Initiatives program, she worked closely with peers, underscoring the vital role of mentorship in fostering community and belonging.<\/span>\r\n\r\nNow pursuing her Master\u2019s degree in Public Policy & Administration at California State University, Sacramento, Xitlali\u2019s research continues to evolve. \u201cI wanted to ensure that students knew they were not alone,\u201d she says, emphasizing the power of community during challenging times. Her club operated under the mantra, \u201cHey, we\u2019re here for you,\u201d reinforcing the idea that everyone has a support network.<\/span>\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, Xitlali envisions herself continuing to empower her peers, work with College Track, and future students as they venture through their academic journeys. With aspirations to pursue a Ph.D. and engage in local politics, she is committed to ensuring educational resources are available for future generations<\/span>. \u201cI want to be part of the board of supervisors <\/span>she states with determination.<\/span>\r\n\r\nXitlali\u2019s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of perseverance, community, and the importance of trusting the process. \u201cIf you have a dream, what\u2019s stopping you?\u201d She challenges others, urging them to embrace opportunities that may scare them. \u201cIf not now, then <\/span>when<\/b>?\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\nHer journey exemplifies the transformative power of trust, mentorship, community, and individual agency. As she continues to forge her path, Xitlali remains dedicated to empowering others and fostering the connections that help students thrive. She boldly and confidently advocates for others not to say, \u201cno,\u201d to themselves and closes potential doors of opportunities that may be present. She states, \u201cAll your mistakes, glories, successes\u2014these experiences make you who you are today.\u201d Each step, even the ones taken in uncertainty, plays a vital role in our personal growth and success.<\/span>","":null,"drop_cap":false,"helper_width":"narrow"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_related_stories","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_related_stories":{"manually_curate":false,"posts":""}}]},"yoast_head":"\nTrusting the Process: Xitlali's Inspiring Journey to Empower Others - College Track<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/collegetrack.org\/es\/scholar-stories\/trusting-the-process-xitlalis-inspiring-journey-to-empower-others\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_MX\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Trusting the Process: Xitlali's Inspiring Journey to Empower Others - College Track\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What does it mean to trust the process, especially when taking a leap of faith in one\u2019s academic future? 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