Born and raised in the Bay Area to a Brazilian family, psychology major Maryanna Oliveira is a first-generation student at College of San Mateo (CSM). After graduating from nearby Hillsdale High School, she is in her second year at CSM, charting a path toward transferring to UC Davis. Her journey is a testament to her dedication and the supportive community she’s found at CSM, made possible by the San Mateo County Community College District’s (SMCCCD) Free College initiative.

Her journey to CSM began unexpectedly during a college fair at her high school. Intrigued by the opportunities presented at the CSM table, she delved deeper, exploring the college’s offerings through social media and website. However, like many prospective students, Maryanna grappled with the daunting costs of higher education. “At first, I didn’t even know if I was going to be able to go to college because of all the financial cost,” she recalls. “College can get expensive.”

The introduction of the Free College initiative by SMCCCD transformed her prospects. This program waives enrollment fees and provides additional financial support for qualifying San Mateo County residents, effectively removing the economic barriers often hindering students from pursuing higher education. For Maryanna, this meant the difference between setting aside her academic aspirations and actively chasing her dreams. “CSM gave me an opportunity to turn that around,” she says with gratitude. “Now I’m actually here at school, studying, and it’s helped me a lot.”

While Maryanna’s primary focus is Psychology, a field she is passionate about because it explores the human mind and behavior, she hasn’t limited herself to courses within her major. Perhaps surprisingly, her favorite class is a songwriting course in the College’s Music department. “It doesn’t really have anything to do with my major, but it’s something that I like to do in my free time,” she explains. This class has allowed her to express herself creatively, which is essential to keeping herself feeling balanced with her full load of courses.

She speaks highly of the faculty at CSM, particularly highlighting Professor Kitamura, her English professor during her first semester. “All my professors have been great, but Professor Kitamura really stood out to me,” she notes. His mentorship enhanced her writing skills and boosted her confidence as she navigated the early stages of her college experience.

Beyond the classroom, Maryanna is part of the Promise Scholars Program and Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) at CSM. These programs offer a blend of financial assistance and counseling services, ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed academically and personally. “They’ve helped me a lot throughout this year,” Maryanna shares.

The support from these programs has been instrumental in her journey. They have alleviated financial stress and provided a network of advisors and peers who have enriched her college experience. “Being part of Promise and EOPS has been a great blessing,” she adds. “They’ve offered me a lot of opportunities so far.”

With plans to transfer to UC Davis, Maryanna is focused on the future. She envisions a career where she can make a meaningful impact in psychology, possibly working with youth or in community settings. The foundation she’s building at CSM is a critical step toward these goals. “I’m excited about what’s ahead,” she says enthusiastically. “CSM has prepared me well for the next chapter.”

Maryanna is a strong advocate for CSM and encourages others to consider the College as a stepping stone toward their own dreams. “Just know that this is a great place for you to be,” she advises prospective students. “We have an amazing community here. Everybody is really nice.”

She emphasizes that the Free College initiative is more than just financial aid—it’s an opportunity to change one’s trajectory. “If not for free college, I might not be here,” Maryanna reflects. “It has impacted my life in a very good way.”

Maryanna’s story is a powerful example of how access to education can transform lives. With the support of SMCCCD’s Free College enrollment fee waiver and CSM’s student services, she has overcome financial obstacles, explored her passions, and set her sights on a promising future. Her journey underscores the importance of making higher education accessible to all and inspires others facing similar challenges.

“CSM gave me an opportunity to turn things around,” Maryanna affirms. “Now I’m here, studying what I love, and looking forward to the future.

Hear more from Maryanna in this video.