Student Spotlight: Cristal Brambila-Rico

“There were multiple times in my life when I could have given up. I mean, I could not speak proper English for most of my school years. But doors I never believed I could have opened on my own were opened with the help of so many amazing people who believed in me.”

Cristal Brambila-Rico struggled with school due the language barrier from growing up in a Spanish-speaking household. She worked diligently with her teachers and student aides and by 7^th grade was able to pass her English proficiency test. Over the next few years and with a lot of hard work, Cristal’s grades improved tremendously. As a senior in high school, Cristal won the Summit Award for students with outstanding academics.

“There were multiple moments when I wanted to cry – and I did – because it was so frustrating.  But there was not a moment when I didn’t believe that my education was worth it. I needed to fight for my dreams.”

Cristal applied to Sheridan College, earned a scholarship and became the first person in her family to attend college. She has taken full advantage of all Sheridan College has to offer. She was accepted into the TRIO program which helps support first generation college students in their academic journey. She was able to go on a service trip to Kenya, which is an opportunity she had never even dreamed was possible. She also joined the SC Foundation Student Partner program which provides leadership training, scholarships and social networking opportunities.

Cristal will graduate in the spring of ’25 with a Plant Science degree, after which she plans to attend the University of Wyoming. “I plan to get a teaching degree in Spanish and English. I want to help my community by reaching out to people who are non-English speakers. And I will become the people who have helped me. “

Realizing that her dreams are coming true due to the support of so many people in her life, Cristal is determined to dedicate her life to helping others realize their own dreams. “I want people to know that they are not alone and that they are worth it!”