Ileanna Cruz-Parra (FHS Class of 2025) has settled in at Pasadena City College, where she is majoring in Health Science and making herself at home — counseling, EOP&S, and the Transfer Center are basically her new “campus pit crew.” Ileanna has also leaned into campus life: She volunteered at the Club Fair and has gone to many of PCC’s football games with friends. As for her Foundation award money, she spent most of it on textbooks, but she managed to put away some leftover funds to go toward her tuition when she transfers to Cal State University Fullerton in 2027. She told us that PCC has been “very welcoming,” and she is putting that welcome mat to work by mapping out her education plan early. Looking ahead, Ileanna’s first choice is to enter nursing, with public health as a strong Plan B. We love her practical optimism: “My first choice is nursing but if I’m not accepted… then I’ll major in public health.” She closed with heartfelt gratitude, writing, “I would not be able to complete my education without your support.” We are proud to be in her corner!
