Many students start at a community college, hoping to save money and transfer to a four-year college or university, but the journey is far from easy. Just 1 in 6 successfully transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree six years later, the executive director of Kaplan Educational Foundation (KEF) — once a transfer student herself — noted in a recent blog post. KEF supports underserved students, so they can get their associate degree, transfer to a four-year college, and earn a bachelor’s degree. Jose Gonzalez, now a junior at Rice University, is one such student. He earned an associate degree in accounting at Hostos Community College before moving to Rice University and is on track to graduate next year with a bachelor’s degree in business. Jose says he wouldn’t have gotten this far without a team of mentors from KEF and Hostos to guide him. Here, he recounts his journey and talks about some of the support he got along the way.

Describe your path to Hostos Community College and Rice University and tell us how your higher ed journey has been so far.

In my junior year of high school, the pandemic abruptly cut my year short, and school shifted to virtual learning. This disruption threw me off track just as I was preparing for the college application process. Things became even more complicated when my family unexpectedly relocated from New York City to the suburbs of New Orleans. Coming from a family that had never navigated the education system, I soon felt like I was falling through the cracks.

In December of my senior year, I realized I hadn’t received information about the college application process, so I reached out to my school counselor. She encouraged me to apply to schools I was interested in, but by then, many application deadlines had passed. I turned to the CUNY system, which I was familiar with, having grown up in New York City. Given my interest in accounting and finance and knowing that New York is the financial capital of the world, I decided that pursuing a degree there was my best option.

As an out-of-state student who needed to work to cover tuition, Hostos Community College made the most sense financially. In my second year, I learned about the Kaplan Educational Foundation (KEF). With support from several Hostos staff members, I applied and was admitted to the program. Through KEF, I worked with a transfer adviser, who opened my eyes to schools beyond my neighborhood and helped me make informed choices. The director of academic advisement facilitated weekly workshops that helped me understand the transfer process and the steps I needed to take to submit strong transfer applications. He ensured that I stayed organized, completed applications properly, and tracked all admissions decisions. He also designed workshops on essential skills like budgeting, study techniques, and using LinkedIn, helping my cohort build habits for success after transferring and beyond. A writing coach not only helped me refine my essays but helped me understand myself better. Through various networking opportunities, events, and panels held by KEF, I built a group of mentors I could rely on for guidance in my personal and professional development. This support system gave me the tools and confidence I needed to navigate the transfer process and move closer to my goals.

When I graduated from Hostos, I chose Rice University because it aligned with my personal and professional goals. The proximity to family, the vibrant and unique school culture, and the opportunities available in the heart of a growing city made Rice the ideal choice for me. And Rice offered a generous financial aid package that made this incredible opportunity possible.

What hurdles or challenges have you encountered, and how did you overcome them? 

At Hostos, being away from my family was a significant source of stress; however, I found comfort in extracurricular activities. Joining the Student Leadership Academy introduced me to a wonderful group of people, and Jason Libfeld, who ran the program, became a father figure to me. He was someone I could turn to for advice, and there was never an issue I couldn’t bring to him for help.

Since Hostos primarily serves commuter students, finding a sense of community was difficult at times. However, extracurriculars like the Student Government Association helped me build meaningful connections. Like many Hostos students, I had to balance full-time coursework with work and manage a tight budget, which required sacrifices and careful planning. This meant skipping social gatherings to stay focused on my classes and learning to be prudent with my spending.

I lived with relatives while my immediate family stayed in New Orleans. I often stayed late at Hostos so I could have a quiet space for studying.

When it came time to graduate, I faced uncertainty about the next steps. Resources for transfer students are often more limited than those for traditional first-year students and the added pressure to define my professional goals made the process feel even more daunting. However, the support I received from the Kaplan Educational Foundation and Marsha Milan-Bethel at Hostos eased my transition. With help from my high school mentor, Greg Giordano, and Professor Edward McNally, whom I met at Hostos, I was able to clarify my career goals. They helped me better understand the potential of finance as a profession, as well as the high barriers to entry in the field. They stressed the importance of preparing early to improve my chances of getting into Rice University and pursuing a career in finance.

This guidance helped me as I transitioned to a new school, where I actively sought out opportunities to learn and network with those already in the roles I aspired to. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had so much support.

How did your time at Hostos benefit you and smooth your transition to Rice?

Starting at Hostos provided many benefits. It helped me prepare for life at a four-year university and taught me to advocate for myself. I learned to request extensions from professors when needed, arrange meetings over Zoom if I couldn’t attend office hours due to work, and get involved on campus.

Hostos also offered a strong academic foundation. The smaller classroom setting [allowed me to] regularly engage with professors and peers, develop my ideas, and solidify my academic interests.

It also saved me a considerable amount of money. I was able to pay for my time there by working part time and was fortunate to receive scholarships that will allow me to graduate debt-free from Rice University.

What advice would you offer to students like yourself?

I would emphasize the importance of finding the value in small tasks. The work assigned to you may seem insignificant, but connecting small tasks to the larger goal is crucial. I also believe it’s important to develop good habits and routines — especially during the transfer process. I was juggling a full course load, part-time work, a new role as student government president, and applications to 15 schools. Maintaining a steady routine helped me manage everything and stay focused. I would also advise students like me to dream big. Just as my transfer adviser helped me see beyond my neighborhood, I urge anyone reading this to keep striving for more.

What can leaders, teachers, high schools, and colleges do to better support and prepare first-gen, underrepresented, and transfer students like you?

One thing they can do is show more grace. I was fortunate to meet many caring individuals who guided me along the way, but I’ve also encountered students from similar backgrounds who felt lost and unsupported. Some end up abandoning their goals because they don’t know where to turn. A little empathy and a helping hand can make all the difference in keeping these students on track.

I also believe mentorship is crucial. In my community, there was no one in the finance industry who knew about the opportunities available in that field. Without the guidance I received from my mentor and a professor who took a special interest in me, I’m not sure where I would be.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

This summer, I will be interning at Jefferies, a global investment banking firm, as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst. I hope to receive a return offer and begin my professional career there after I graduate in 2026.

Series: Getting To & Through College