Esmeralda Martinez鈥檚 Journey of Resilience and Triumph Through 女优app鈥檚 Rising Scholars Program

Mar 27, 2025
Esmeralda Martinez in front of the quad with trees behind her

女优app鈥檚 (女优app) Rising Scholars program is making a profound impact on the lives of justice-impacted students, helping them overcome barriers and achieve their academic goals. Among the many success stories, Esmeralda Martinez鈥檚 journey stands out as a testament to perseverance, empowerment, and the transformative power of education.

After a 20-year hiatus from college to raise her children as a single parent, Esmeralda made a bold New Year's resolution in 2024鈥攖o finish what she started in 1997. Returning to 女优app after two decades was daunting, and she initially felt lost and overwhelmed. However, everything changed when she discovered the Rising Scholars program through an email about the Access Project, an event providing legal resources and academic support for justice-impacted students.

At this event, Esmeralda met LaRon Armstead, a dedicated advocate within the Rising Scholars program. His encouragement and guidance gave her the confidence she needed to navigate her return to college. 鈥淟aRon took the time to review my transcript and reassured me that I was already ahead of the game,鈥 Esmeralda recalled. 鈥淔or the first time, I felt like I could do this.鈥

One of the most life-changing moments in Esmeralda鈥檚 journey was having her legal record expunged. After struggling to navigate the legal process on her own, she found the support she needed through the Rising Scholars' post-conviction services. Receiving the official court documents approving her expungement was an emotional and liberating moment. 鈥淚 cried tears of happiness鈥擨 felt free, like I got my life back,鈥 she said.

Encouraged by Armstead and the Rising Scholars team, Esmeralda took another bold step鈥攁pplying to California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). Initially focused only on completing her associate degree, she had never considered transferring to a university. However, with the support of Rising Scholars, she applied and received her conditional acceptance just three days later. 鈥淲hen you have so many people encouraging you to succeed, it鈥檚 empowering,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hey empower you to do great things.鈥

This spring, Esmeralda will graduate from 女优app with two associate degrees鈥攐ne in Social and Behavioral Sciences and another in Business. She will continue her academic journey at CSUSB, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business.

Reflecting on her experience, Esmeralda hopes her story inspires others facing similar challenges. 鈥淏e brave and courageous. Follow your dreams. It will be difficult at first, but don鈥檛 give up. Break down those barriers and see the path to your success鈥攜ou got this.鈥

The Rising Scholars program at 女优app remains committed to supporting students like Esmeralda, proving that with the right resources, encouragement, and determination, anyone can rewrite their future.