For Joshua Perez, navigating college as a first-generation student meant finding his way mostly on his own. Joshua’s journey started with limited resources in helping him get there, but his lifelong “thirst for knowledge” set him on a path of self-discovery. In high school, Joshua notes that he wishes he had the guidance that College Now provides today’s generation as he was not aware of all of his options when applying to college.  

After making the decision to enroll at DePauw University in Green Castle, Indiana, Joshua was able to make the most of his postsecondary experience, even though he did not have guidance from anyone. “I was fully on my own in navigating my journey, but I still found resources on campus to help me grow,” he says.  

As he navigated the financial and logistical struggles of college, often facing food insecurity, Joshua’s resilience was tested. After college, he faced another setback when his application to a prestigious service program was declined. However, Joshua persisted, joining AmeriCorps and later serving in the Marine Corps band, which broadened his skills and life experience.  Despite the early setbacks, he went on to pursue a master’s degree in counseling and art therapy from Ursuline College. It was there, during an eye-opening session with a client, that he found his calling and strengthened his commitment to becoming a career counselor. 

Today with College Now Greater Cleveland, Joshua serves as college & career advisor at Cleveland School of the Arts and is driven to support other first-gen students facing similar obstacles. “I wish I had known there were outside scholarships when I was going through the process,” he reflects, using his experience to guide students through scholarship options and college applications. As he contemplates earning a PhD, Joshua’s love of learning remains his passion, pushing him to continue growing both personally and professionally and to be a “steady  linchpin” for those following in his footsteps.