First-generation migrant student secures PASS scholarship for University of North Dakota

As graduation approaches, Aylin Garza, a senior at Hillsboro High School, reflects on her journey from the fields as a migrant child to becoming a college-bound student. Her story is one of challenges, perseverance, and gratitude, shaped significantly by her family's commitment to education despite their migrant lifestyle.

Garza recounts spending parts of her childhood in Mexico and North Dakota, with her parents working tirelessly as seasonal farm workers. "My dad works as a farmer from April through mid-to-late November, sometimes harvesting day and night," she shares. Her mother's dedication matched his, with 12-hour shifts being a norm, highlighting the family’s sacrifices to create stability for their three daughters.

In 2008 and 2009, Garza's parents faced the heart-wrenching decision to leave her in Mexico, then a year old, so they could work in the U.S. This separation and subsequent hard work in the fields instilled in Garza a deep respect for her parents’ sacrifices.

As a teenager, Garza worked alongside her parents in the fields during the summer while also managing her studies through the Manvel Public School Migrant Summer Program. The transition between schools in Mexico and the U.S. challenged her, particularly in mastering two languages.

Entering high school brought new hurdles as she struggled to keep up academically. It was at this time that the Portable Assisted Study Sequence (PASS) program became pivotal. PASS allowed her to earn high school credits while balancing work and travel. "Thanks to PASS, I not only caught up to my classmates—I even surpassed many of them," Garza said, completing a significant 10 full credits.

Approaching graduation, Garza's hard work reflects with a 3.7 GPA, securing her a place in the top 10 of her class. Her accomplishments also earned her an $11,000 PASS scholarship, paving the way for her enrollment at the University of North Dakota to study business marketing.

Despite the achievement, the financial demands of college weigh heavily on her family of seasonal workers. However, the encouragement from her parents, who urged her to "aim higher than they ever could," continues to drive her.

Garza credits her migrant upbringing for teaching her resilience and persistence, qualities cultivated by constant transitions and her parents’ labor in the fields. Now poised to enter higher education, Garza is determined to honor her family’s efforts and pursue the opportunities they have worked hard to provide.