Before he walks in Southwestern Michigan College’s 57^th Commencement May 4, Nick Sandoval Jr. of Hartford wants to leave a message for other first-generation graduates who follow in his footsteps.

Sandoval, graduating with his associate degree in business administration, wants them to know, “You’re not alone. Always reach out for help. I want to be the voice for the voiceless and advocate for those who are reluctant to speak out.”

“This was a really good stepping-stone in going further on the path of my career,” which will be moving to Kalamazoo to pursue his bachelor’s degree in digital sales and marketing at Western Michigan University.

When Sandoval graduated from Hartford High School, “A friend who went to my high school graduation reached out. Going to college was the last thing on my mind. At that time and place I expected to step into work. But he was going to SMC and encouraged me to try it.”

A lifelong Hartford resident, Sandoval said his parents and two older brothers are from Mexico and do farm work, as did he as a teen-ager.

“My dad woke me up at 5 a.m.,” he said. “I’m so glad, so grateful, I was taught work ethic. It will benefit me in the future getting jobs done and not putting things off to the side.”

“It put a little pressure on me to break the generational curse, is what I say,” he smiled. “My parents always called me the golden child because I was the only one with this opportunity, so I better take it. They came here for a better future for me.”

To compensate for his lack of higher-education role models, Sandoval “did a lot of research, looking up stuff, watching videos, networking.”

“Going to Southwestern Michigan College was an eye-opening experience, so I want to spread that awareness because the enrollment population is increasing and I feel like there are more students in my shoes, with the same situation.”

Sandoval said in his Hispanic culture, people are raised to keep their heads down, stay silent and avoid asking for help.

“When I was in high school,” Sandoval said, “I learned not to be scared to ask for help. My family supported me and I was doing something that contributes to society. Do your best and make your parents proud. If something’s not working out, don’t be afraid to make a change. The school, faculty and staff, is here to help and guide you, whether it’s the SAC or the TLC (free tutoring services at the Carole A. Tate Teaching and Learning Center in Fred L. Mathews Library).

“I wasn’t lost” transitioning into college, he said, “but it was a culture shock. It helped that I knew what I wanted to study. I think with the mindset I have I can go farther. I feel unstoppable. We can speak our minds, have differences and still get lunch.”

Sandoval, who lived on-campus and served as a Welcome Week leader last summer, has worked at the Student Activity Center (SAC) for the past two years under the supervision of Dan Cunningham. Cunningham retired as Concord High School principal after a 42-year education career in Indiana and North Carolina.

“I thank him for all his wisdom,” said Sandoval, admitting, “My roommates call me Dad” because he’s such a stickler for not procrastinating. “My generation is always ready to celebrate. We can celebrate, but only after figuring out what’s next. If you sit and relax, it creates habits.”