College Initiatives FirstGen Alumni Spotlights 

Spotlight: Celeste Torres, YES Prep Southeast ’22 

YES Prep is proud to celebrate First Generation College Celebration Day by spotlighting alumni who are the first in their families to attend college. These stories are part of our ongoing College Initiatives series, highlighting the courage, perseverance, and purpose that drive YES Prep graduates to succeed in college and beyond. Each feature reminds us that the road to higher education begins long before graduation; it starts with a community that believes in every student’s potential. 

Finding Belonging and Purpose 

For Celeste Torres, a 2022 graduate of YES Prep Southeast and current Trinity University psychology major and education minor, higher education represents both a personal goal and a family dream. Inspired by her parents’ journey to the United States and their deep belief in the power of education, Celeste has always viewed college as a way to honor their sacrifices and open new doors for her family. 

At YES Prep, Celeste found academic rigor and a sense of belonging that helped her thrive. She credits Southeast with preparing her to integrate into the tight-knit community at Trinity, saying that the opportunities she had to build relationships at YES Prep made the transition to university life feel familiar. The same mottos that shaped her as a student,  “Give 100% every day” and “Leave a place better than you found it,” remain values she carries with her as she prepares for life after graduation. 

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Strength 

The transition to college wasn’t easy. Celeste admits that the workload and the process of finding accommodations for her learning disability initially felt overwhelming. But with determination, she began to seek help and build strong relationships with her professors. Through office hours, open communication, and persistence, she secured the support she needed, gaining both academic stability and personal confidence. 

Now in her senior year, Celeste is preparing to apply to School Psychology graduate programs, channeling her experiences into a career that will allow her to help others overcome their own barriers to success. 

A Dream Realized 

For Celeste and her family, earning a college degree means crossing a finish line and reaching a generational milestone. Graduating from college will fulfill a dream that began long before she entered the classroom. It symbolizes opportunity, independence, and the chance to give back. “Being able to enter the workforce and help others is the goal,” she shared, adding that providing for herself and her family will make the achievement even more meaningful. 

When offering advice to current YES Prep students, Celeste encourages them to approach college with intention. She believes success is about preparation of the mind as much as the transcript. Her message is clear: explore your interests, build good habits, and go into college with purpose and stability. 

Continuing the FirstGen Legacy 

Celeste’s journey embodies the spirit of YES Prep’s mission to prepare students to pursue lives of opportunity. Her story reflects what’s possible when dedication, family, and community come together to create lasting change. 

Follow the FirstGen College Celebration series as we continue highlighting alumni who are breaking barriers, shaping their futures, and inspiring the next generation of YES Prep students. 

Read more from our College Initiatives series: The YES Prep College Advantage and After the Diploma.