Name: Evelyn Lara
Degree: BA, adult and organizational development 
College: College of Education and Human Development 
Hometown: West Grove, Pa.

Evelyn Lara didn’t think she’d make it to Temple. Now she’s on track to become a two-time Temple grad.

When thinking about college, Lara didn’t know how to begin. Applications. FAFSA. Transcripts. Test scores. As a first-generation student, she felt clueless. Her parents, who emigrated from Mexico, tried to help but struggled. Lara persisted in her pursuit.

“My parents always instilled in me the importance of education and how it opens many doors,” she said. “When I was asked as a little girl, ‘What’s your dream job?’ I would say to have the opportunity to have an education because then that will give me my dream job.”

She enrolled at Delaware County Community College, where she earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education. “I knew I had to be realistic because there wasn’t enough money to start at a big institution,” said Lara. “Once I got there and had a better understanding and that initial college experience, I knew I needed more than an associate’s degree to become what I wanted. I asked what’s next.”

She transferred to Temple. Lara was specifically interested in the College of Education and Human Development’s adult and organizational development program. “At first I wanted to become a teacher, but with the knowledge and skills I’ve gained I’ve realized my path is not just to become an educator; it’s what I can provide for an organization or community to make it better.”

Lara works on community-focused grants with Assistant Professor of Instruction Meghan Raisch, who she considers a role model. “She advocates for students and treats everyone with respect and empathy,” said Lara. “When I took her class during my first semester here, she told me I stood out. I didn’t see how bright and intelligent I was until then. She allowed me to see a side of myself that I really wasn’t aware of. It was a remarkable feeling to have a woman in that position to see my potential. It allowed me to learn even more about myself.”

Raisch encouraged Lara to enter the +1 accelerated master’s dual-degree program in advocacy and organizational development. As part of this program, Lara is already taking graduate classes and will earn her master of education in May 2025, becoming a two-time Temple grad.

“I didn’t even think about graduate school. My acceptance email brought tears of joy to my eyes. In that moment, the peak of all my hard work and sacrifices became palpable. Those late nights and moments of doubt all now were validated as worthwhile. It was an amazing experience witnessing my dreams unfold before me.

“The cycle within my family is changing because of me. My 13-year-old brother tells us that he’s going to college too. Seeing him look up to me makes me happy about the woman I’m becoming.”

She strives to be an example for others as well. “I look forward in the future to getting a PhD so that I can become a professor and advocate for students. I hope I can inspire people. I don’t see many Latinx individuals pursuing higher education because we know the challenges, but working hard, having a vision and not letting go of that vision will get you there. I am thankful to Temple for seeing my potential. I didn’t think I could make it this far.”