Eight years ago, sociology major Patsy Jimenez, 23, would have never thought she would one day be juggling life as a full-time college student and a single mother in the United States.

In December 2006, when Jimenez was 16, she emigrated to the U.S. from Mexico while she was seven months pregnant.  

“My mom told me about the opportunity to come to the Unites States and that here I can offer a better life for my daughter,” Jimenez said.

She said it was hard to be in Mexico because people have different ideas about teenage mothers and there is less support to pursue a higher education.

 Jimenez has been a resident of California for five years but first came into the country illegally.

“It was really hard for me crossing the border,” Jimenez said. “I tried to cross coming through the mountains, but I couldn’t make it because I was arrested by immigration officers and I was deported to Mexico.”

Two days later, she tried again and successfully crossed into the U.S. by car.

Before crossing over, Jimenez stayed at a house in Tijuana minutes away from the border where she said was one of the worst experiences. 

“I was in a house with no communication with anybody, “Jimenez said. “I was in there with drug dealers and armed people. I didn’t want to confront them because I was afraid they would do something to me. It was a scary experience.”

After moving in with her mother in Sacramento, Jimenez’s original plan was to stay in the country until she saved enough money to go back to Mexico, but she soon was offered resources she would not likely receive in her home country.

Jimenez enrolled at Luther Burbank High School in 2007. New to the English language, she was always afraid to go to school because she did not know how to communicate with anyone.

After a few months at her new school, she was able to obtain a 3.8 grade point average, but despite her good grades, Jimenez did not plan on attending Sac State.

“My aspiration was going to [Sacramento City College],” Jimenez said. “I was insecure. I did not have the confidence to go to a state university.”

However, with the help of migrant education advisor Alejandra Fuentes, Jimenez became encouraged to apply at Sac State.

“When I reviewed her transcript, I knew she had the potential and dedication to do anything she would put her mind into,” Fuentes said. “Her English was not as strong, but I knew that Sac State’s Educational Opportunity Program would provide her with the support. 

 Aside from being a full-time student and single mother, Jimenez is actively involved on campus and in her community.

She has been a member of Mujeres Ayudando La Raza, a non-profit Latina based organization on campus since 2010. She is also a student assistant for the Women’s Resource Center.

Griselda Casillas ethnic studies major and also a member of Mujeres Ayudando La Raza, said Jimenez is an excellent role model for all women.

“She has participated in many community service events and brings her daughter along, which I find to be extraordinary because at a young age she is already teaching her important values,” Casillas said.

Jimenez makes most aspects of  her Sac State life a family affair as she also includes her daughter in late-night study sessions.

“You can find me at the [Academic Information Resource Center] at two in the morning and my daughter is there, “ Jimenez said. “I use the study group room and I make a little bed for her using the seats so she can sleep while I do my homework.”

Jimenez will be graduating in May. She plans to apply for the sociology and multicultural education master’s program at Sac State. Her career goal is to have a job in social services.

“I would like to give back to my community and help people because there is a lot of people in need,” Jimenez said. “I know jobs in social services may not be well paid, but that’s what I love to do.”