YES Prep’s first-generation students carry more than backpacks into college classrooms, they carry the hopes, sacrifices, and dreams of their families. As part of our First-Generation Alumni series, we’re celebrating alumni whose journeys show how access, preparation, and perseverance can change the trajectory of an entire family.
Opening Doors to New Opportunities
For Hailey Lopez, a 2025 graduate of YES Prep Southwest and a student at the University of Houston – Main Campus, pursuing higher education represents the chance to create opportunities her family never had before.
“Pursuing a higher education means being able to give myself and my family the opportunities we never had,” Hailey shared. “Having access to this education allows me to have a better chance at succeeding and creating a future for myself.”
That belief has guided her journey as a first-generation college student, shaping how she approaches both her studies and her future goals.
Prepared for the Real World
Hailey credits YES Prep with preparing her academically and mentally for the transition to college. Rigorous coursework and real-world expectations helped her feel confident stepping into a new environment.
“I remember sitting in my AP Biology class with Ms. Carman and realizing that this was my first real taste of college,” she recalled. “YES Prep wasn’t just a typical secondary school — it showed us what the real world looks like.”
Because of that early exposure, Hailey entered college feeling encouraged rather than overwhelmed, ready to keep pushing forward.
Adapting, Learning, and Applying Knowledge
One of Hailey’s biggest adjustments was moving from small classrooms to large lecture halls. She navigated that shift by advocating for herself, attending office hours, and staying engaged in class — habits she developed at YES Prep.
As a Human Development and Family Sciences major, Hailey quickly discovered how her education could extend beyond the classroom. What she learned in her courses about childhood development led her to work at a learning center, where she now applies her knowledge to support young children in her community.
A Dream Becoming Reality
For Hailey and her family, being a first-generation college student represents success and the fulfillment of long-held dreams.
“Being a first-generation college graduate shows that the goals my family dreamed of but never got to accomplish are finally becoming a reality,” she said.
Her story reflects the heart of YES Prep’s mission — preparing students to pursue lives of opportunity and empowering them to build futures that uplift not only themselves, but their families as well.
Continue following our series as we highlight YES Prep alumni who are breaking barriers and creating new possibilities.
Explore more from our College Initiatives team: The YES Prep College Advantage and After the Diploma.