Empowered by the Academy community, alumna pays it forward

From the outside, it seemed so mysterious — an arduous, costly undertaking with no guarantees — but the lawyers they encountered were helpful.

“I very much saw them as a resource in situations that a lot of families are quiet about,” she said. “I understood them as being the people who held the keys to that information.”

Lopez-Figueroa vowed to do the same for others. She just had to go to college first.

Deeply involved in activities at North Salem High School, she wasn’t sure she could afford another time commitment. But she’s so glad she did — the Academy guided the first generation student through the college admissions process and connected her with a community who let her be herself.

“I could express my fears about not knowing what college I was going to, or if I was even going to make it,” she said. “It was really important for me to feel like I was making a wise decision where to go.”

The answer soon became clear. Lopez-Figueroa wanted to be a lawyer who has a strong sense of community, so staying in Oregon was a must, especially if she chose later to build a private practice.

Attending Willamette University meant she could be at a college she was already acquainted with and remain involved with the Academy — this time as an academic mentor. She mentored high school students for three years.

“I really wanted to stay connected to that community,” she said. “Their support was the reason I stayed so close to home, and I could always count on them.”

After earning a degree in sociology, Lopez-Figueroa attended the University of Oregon School of Law in Eugene and graduated last spring. This fall, after she takes the bar exam, she will represent the state’s migrant and seasonal farmworkers at the Oregon Law Center in Woodburn, focusing on employment and civil rights issues.

The Academy is still a meaningful part of her life. Lopez-Figueroa, who joined its advisory board more than a year ago, said the Academy and its motto will be relevant for years to come.

“The Academy has evolved with the needs of the community and I’m grateful to have been part of the program,” she said. “I genuinely believe it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

Students had the opportunity to attend in person and virtual college info sessions, including Pomona College, Bowdoin College, Colorado College, Mudd College, Occidental College, George Fox University, Oregon State University, Western Oregon University and University of Oregon.

“College Track” sessions provided Academy seniors with workshops on financial aid, college and scholarship applications, matriculation and how to transition into college.

Over 15 Academy students and alumni were individually assisted in filling out and submitting the FAFSA or ORSAA.

Academy staff participated in the MLK book club, where they read and discussed “College Belonging: How First Year and First-Generation Students Navigate Campus Life.”

In May, the Academy reviewed over 80 applications, conducted 53 virtual student interviews and welcomed 32 rising eighth-graders to the program.

Students attended over 70 virtual and in-person workshops including Hallie Ford Art Museum, campus lectures and events, journalism, student-led session on Native history, SAT practice, gardening and career exploration.

On May 13, we celebrated our 21 senior graduates. This fall, three graduates will attend Willamette University while the rest will head to Chemeketa Community College, Western Oregon University, Oregon State University, Linfield University, Portland State University, Stanford University, Montana State University, Swarthmore College, Wesleyan College and the University of New Mexico.