I always enjoy coming (to CSU). One of the reasons I do is because this university changed my life, and I think it can change yours as well, but you … - Polly Baca

I encourage young people to take risks and to follow their hearts, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something you want to do. Just go ahead and try it; if you fail, it’s okay, just keep going forward. So take those risks and follow your heart – and work hard while you’re doing it.

The racism we experienced really burned a flame in my heart that created a passion to help my community. Because of that scholarship, I felt this burden – I was one of the few people who looked like me to get this opportunity, so I owed my community to do well, and it wasn’t acceptable to fail.

I didn’t just watch (politics evolve).I participated in helping the change happen.