SWC News Center
From Uncertainty to Purpose: My Journey as a First-Gen DACA Student
By Daniel Estrada - July 1, 2025
Who am I?
My name is Daniel Estrada, a former Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) student, and I am a first-generation college student. My journey to Southwestern College (SWC) has been a metamorphosis experience: a path of growth, transformation, opportunities and rediscovery.
Right after high school, I enrolled in college but quickly found myself on academic probation due to poor grades and attendance. I was working full time, helping raise my younger siblings and trying to attend school—all of which became overwhelming and led to my decision to drop out.
After a seven-year break, I returned to school in 2018, feeling uncertain and nervous. I was 25 years old and unsure about what I wanted to study, surrounded by classmates who had just graduated from high school. I often worried that I would not fit in or that I was starting too late. These doubts were not just about timing– they also stemmed from my previous academic struggles.
Despite my doubts and previous experience, SWC gave me another chance. I was given access to resources and support throughout my education, and this is where I found a new beginning. It all started with one email from Alejandra Garcia Cardenas, the SWC Dreamer Center Coordinator, who helped me get on a successful path.
As a DACA recipient, I faced many challenges that my classmates did not—limited access to financial aid, a lack of resources, and constant anxiety due to the uncertainty of my future. The Dreamer Center provided tremendous support, from helping me apply for scholarships to raising mental health awareness, offering legal immigration help through Jewish Family Service, and counseling support for transferring. I also had the chance to participate in meaningful events like SWC’s first Binational Conference in Guanajuato, Mexico.
If it were not for Alejandra’s dedication and the unwavering support of the Dreamer Center, I would not be where I am today—graduating and achieving goals I once thought were impossible. I also want to thank my professor, Dr. Yessica Diaz Roman, for believing in me, encouraging me to succeed in social work, and helping me discover my passion for the profession. With her support, I found both direction and confidence in the program.
Why did I join the Social Work Club?
While attending SWC, I never considered joining a club at first because my schedule was overwhelming. I was working full-time, while attending school full-time. When I heard about the Social Work Club, I was hesitant to join due to my complicated schedule and the fear that I might be doing it just to boost my résumé or university transfer application. Initially, I joined out of curiosity, but over time, I genuinely fell in love with it. I will not deny that our club faced some challenges, but we overcame many obstacles at the start, learned in the process, and accomplished a lot.
What did I accomplish in the club?
I became an officer of the Social Work Club, serving as Treasurer in the fall semester 2024 and spring 2025, which will sadly be my final semester to serve as treasurer. Joining a club and stepping into a leadership role was entirely new to me, but with the support of my team, I was able to accomplish so much.
In December 2024, we proudly hosted our first Toys for Tots event, collecting a total of 56 toys for children. Most recently, we participated in our first volunteer event with a nonprofit organization called Sharia’s Closet, where we had a total of 10 volunteers to help sort and prepare clothing for individuals and families in need.
Why did we choose to support Sharia’s Closet?
Partnering with Sharia’s Closet for the Social Work Club’s first volunteer event was a meaningful decision. This organization aligns perfectly with the core values of social work, serving individuals and strengthening communities. I first learned about Sharia’s Closet in my Social Work Human Services Fields of Service class taught by Dr. Roman, who also serves as faculty advisor.
Another reason I was drawn to supporting this organization is a personal connection I made during my social work internship at Your Safe Place: A Family Justice Center -City of San Diego which supports individuals who have experienced domestic violence. There, I had the opportunity to meet Shamine Linton, the founder of Sharia’s Closet. She shared her mission and vision with me, explaining how her organization provides clothing and accessories to individuals in need with dignity and compassion. During our first community service experience, we learned about the process of sorting and organizing donated clothing, the importance of quality control, and the impact our efforts have on the lives of those served. It was a powerful, hands-on way to engage in direct service and apply the values we are learning as future social workers.
What are my future and major career goal(s)?
As I finish my final semester, I am preparing to transfer to San Diego State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work. My ultimate goal is to earn a master’s degree and eventually become a licensed clinical social worker, with a focus on family counseling and mental health support.
I am also passionate about working as a school social worker and supporting children and families. My interest in this field stems from personal experience. Growing up, I didn’t have access to the kind of support I needed—whether for mental health or overcoming life’s challenges. I want to be the kind of support system I never had. I hope to help students feel seen, heard and supported, and to connect families to resources that strengthen their relationships and help them navigate difficult times.