Más que una Fellowship, This Feels Like Home

I am Yeraldin Crespo Valle, a college student majoring in computer science at San Francisco State University. I am 20 years old and was born in Guerrero, Mexico. My family and I moved to California when I was two years old, and I spent most of my life in Lompoc before moving to San Francisco for college.

Growing up, school was always something I naturally excelled at. From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue higher education, even when the idea sometimes felt distant or unrealistic because of my circumstances. I watched my parents work incredibly hard to provide for me and my siblings, balancing long hours with the challenge of navigating a language and culture that were unfamiliar to them. Their dedication, sacrifices, and the dreams they once held for their own education inspired me deeply.

I often heard them talk about what they wished they could have studied if they had been given the chance. Because of that, I felt a strong sense of responsibility, a motivating one, to take advantage of every academic opportunity available to me. I am now working toward my bachelor’s degree and hope to pursue graduate school in the future to earn a master’s degree.

Being far away from my family while living in San Francisco pushed me to find new ways to stay connected to my roots and my community. One of the most impactful opportunities I found was joining the DreamSF Fellowship through the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA). This experience allowed me to engage with my immigrant community in a meaningful way and meet fellows who shared similar backgrounds and experiences. Through the program, I was placed at The Women’s Building.

My time at TWB has been transformative. It has strengthened my interpersonal skills and helped fulfill my desire to build genuine connections within my community. Through the Community Resource Room (CRR), I assist clients with technology tutoring, job searching, and accessing essential resources. I’ve had the privilege of hearing people’s stories—their challenges, their resilience—and these interactions continually remind me of the importance of accessible support systems and the power of community.

I also want to support those who are experiencing the same challenges my parents and I once faced: feeling lost, overwhelmed, and unsure how to navigate life while learning a new language. Through direct interaction with clients and members of my community, I hear more stories, feel inspired, and strengthen my commitment to building a career that represents and uplifts this community. With my growing skills in technology, I hope to create accessible, culturally relevant digital tools and resources for immigrant families, helping them find the support and information they need.

My experience with TWB has not only helped me grow, it has also reaffirmed my commitment to giving back and using my skills to make a meaningful impact. I hope more people continue to support TWB and organizations like it, not just because they offer vital services, but because they remind us what community really means. When you support spaces like this, you’re helping make sure that others, especially those just trying to find their footing, have a place to feel seen, supported, and valued.