Finding the Drive: Anjilica’s Passport Coaching Story

Anjilica Gonzalez supports Passport students—those who were in foster care or homeless without a parent or guardian—as they overcome barriers and face unique challenges. She helps them prepare for and succeed in college, apprenticeships, or pre-apprenticeship programs.

“These students have gone through things no others have gone through,” Anjilica says. “Seeing them experience hardship and overcome it is so rewarding.”

Anjilica is uniquely positioned at Central Washington University where she supports students eligible for the Passport to College program in persisting through college. She also works with a larger group of Passport student supporters in the region to create a network of student support.

“My students are so resilient. I don’t know where they find the drive, but it’s amazing to see,” Anjilica says.

Providing Resources

Information from colleges about financial aid, housing, and classes can be confusing, overwhelming, and detailed. Even in this time of remote coaching, Anjilica has continued to provide resources specific to each student’s individual experience.

“I had one student who was homeless and living in her car. Even though she was enrolled in classes, we were able to get her assistance with groceries and connected to an organization to provide temporary housing,” Anjilica says. “She finished winter quarter and passed all her classes with great grades. We’re looking for permanent housing options for her, and we were able to help her buy a laptop so she could keep up with her school work.”

Anjilica says her students have faced more mental health barriers to their success during the pandemic. When campuses across the country closed, many of her students had nowhere to go.

“These students have been more affected than others,” Anjilica says. “I have been connecting them with counseling resources and talking them through their isolation.”

Supporting Students Remotely

Anjilica continues to be available to Passport students at CWU through text, email, video chat, or phone calls. She stays dedicated to her students in spite of the remote environment.

“I’m always fully present when I’m working with a student that doesn’t have a support system at home because I know they need someone in their corner,” Anjilica says. “As a College Success Foundation Alumna, what better way than to join CSF and help these students on their journey to a postsecondary degree.”

Learn more about College Success Foundation’s foster student support program.