Ariadna Mentado Vasquez

As the oldest daughter in a family with five siblings, Ariadna Mentado Vasquez has learned to balance many responsibilities. Between attending classes at Oakton College, caring for her younger siblings and supporting family members, she makes time to pursue her own educational goals.

When Ariadna arrived at Oakton, she didn't expect to get involved beyond the classroom. Now, as a first-generation college student studying economics, she's embracing new opportunities. Through campus involvement, supportive relationships and new experiences, she's discovering her interests, building confidence and exploring possibilities for her future.

“Because I am the oldest daughter, I have more responsibilities to take on than my siblings do, but I think that just helps shape how I am about life,” Ariadna said. She helps care for her younger siblings, and assists family members with appointments, which means she tries to plan her class schedule around these responsibilities.

Balancing college and family responsibilities hasn't always been easy. After a particularly difficult summer, Ariadna struggled academically and considered stepping away from college. Remembering her family's sacrifices has helped motivate her to continue.

“Whenever I think of dropping out, I just think of all the sacrifices that my family has made to get where we are,” she said. “I just don't want to ever go backwards in life.”

She's also learning to make time for herself while supporting those around her. “I'm learning to slowly take care of myself as well,” she said.

During her first semester, Ariadna met another student who encouraged her to get involved in TRIO Student Support Services and ¡ANDALE! Student Program. “My friend Emily kind of opened my eyes to everything that college has to offer,” Ariadna said. “I never intended to join clubs or really be a part of it.”

Through TRIO, Ariadna found academic advising and support while navigating college as a first-generation student. Her advisor, Luz Trejo Camarillo, encouraged her to explore different academic paths, while a professor in one of her first macroeconomics classes recognized her strengths and encouraged her to consider economics.

These connections helped Ariadna become more involved on campus and discover opportunities beyond the classroom. “I have a lot of support at home and at school,” she said. “They're always there.”

Through TRIO, Ariadna was selected to attend the National Student Leadership Diversity Conference (NSLDC) in Orlando, Florida. It was her first time on a plane and traveling away from her family.

“I never thought that I'd have the opportunity to do that,” Ariadna said. “Like I said, I've never left the state. I've never been on a plane. I never left my family.”

At the conference, Ariadna connected with other students and heard professionals share their experiences navigating challenges and pursuing their goals.

Another opportunity came through ¡ANDALE! when Ariadna attended the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) National Conference in Chicago. Listening to speakers, particularly Latina women who shared their personal and professional journeys, encouraged her to embrace new possibilities and pursue her own interests.

She left the conference feeling empowered and more confident making decisions for herself. “I felt like I can conquer the world,” she said. “I was comfortable enough to realize that I can make my own choices.”

Ariadna plans to earn her associate degree at Oakton and transfer to Northeastern Illinois University to continue studying economics. Looking further ahead, she hopes to build a career, have a place of her own and, most importantly, find happiness in the path she chooses.

Looking back on her time at Oakton, Ariadna encourages other students to get involved, build connections and take advantage of the resources available to them.

“Try to make friends. Try to get into clubs,” she said. “Talk to your professors when there's anything that you don't understand. Go to study hours and take advantage of Oakton's resources.”

For a student who once came to campus primarily to attend class and leave, embracing what college has to offer has changed more than Ariadna's academic path.

“I was never a good student. I never liked school,” she said. “But being here at Oakton made me enjoy actually going to classes and going to clubs and just enjoying college overall.”