Ch. 1
What major city in California did Alejandra Campoverdi and her family grow up in, as described in Chapter 1?
What is Los Angeles?
What major university does Alejandra gain admission to, which becomes a significant new world for her in the book?
What is the University of Southern California (USC)
What is the "hidden curriculum" as described in Chapter 4?
What are the unwritten rules, unspoken expectations, and assumed knowledge that are not formally taught but are crucial for success in a particular environment?
What is the term for the feeling of believing you are not as competent as others perceive you to be, often despite evidence of success?
What is imposter syndrome?
"I learned early on that the world outside my neighborhood operated by a different set of rules."
What is the "hidden curriculum"?
Alejandra describes her family as "rooting her" in a strong sense of what, despite their financial struggles?
What is community or cultural identity?
What was one of the first major culture shocks Alejandra experienced when she arrived at her university, making her feel different from other students?
What is the wealth disparity / economic background of other students?
Alejandra observes that many of her university peers seem to have inherited knowledge about things like internships, networking, or career paths. What did she call this inherited knowledge?
What is "social capital" or "invisible social inheritance"?
Alejandra describes a conflict between her home identity and the identity she felt she needed to project at university. What is this internal conflict often called?
What is identity dissonance or code-switching (again, but focusing on the internal feeling)?
"The feeling that I was perpetually walking a tightrope, trying not to fall into the abyss of being 'found out' as not truly belonging."
What is imposter syndrome?
Before becoming a successful author and advocate, Alejandra's mother worked in a physically demanding job that shaped Alejandra's understanding of hard work. What kind of work was it
What is factory work / sewing / garment industry?
Beyond financial differences, what other aspect of her background made Alejandra feel distinct from many of her university peers?
What is her Latinx heritage / Mexican-American background?
Name one specific example of the "hidden curriculum" that Alejandra had to learn at USC, related to social interactions or academic expectations.
What are knowing how to network, understanding office hours, asking for recommendations, knowing about certain clubs/organizations, or navigating social events?
How does imposter syndrome often manifest in first-generation individuals, according to Campoverdi?
What is a constant fear of being "found out," overworking, or self-doubt despite accomplishments?
"My parents gave me wings, but my roots kept me grounded."
What are her family's values / invisible inheritances?
Chapter 1 introduces the idea of "invisible inheritances." Name one example of an "invisible inheritance" Alejandra received from her family.
What is resilience, resourcefulness, strong work ethic, family loyalty, or cultural pride?
Alejandra describes an initial feeling of having to "code-switch" when moving between her home life and her university life. What does "code-switching" mean in this context?
What is adjusting her language, behavior, or mannerisms to fit into different social or cultural environments?
Chapter 4 discusses the emotional toll of constantly trying to understand and adapt to this "hidden curriculum." What feeling is often associated with this constant effort?
What is exhaustion, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed?
To combat feelings of not belonging, what is one key strategy or mindset shift Alejandra suggests in these early chapters?
What is owning your unique background/perspective, finding your own community, or remembering your purpose?
"I had to become a detective of social cues, trying to piece together the unwritten rules of engagement."
What is learning the hidden curriculum / navigating new social environments?
Alejandra mentions her grandmother's significant influence and role in raising her. What specific cultural practice or wisdom does her grandmother often share or embody in the first chapter?
What is a connection to traditional remedies, folklore, or spiritual beliefs
In the early chapters, Alejandra learns to balance her academic pursuits with her personal life. What specific type of student activity or group does she initially struggle to connect with or understand the importance of?
What are fraternities/sororities or Greek life?
According to Campoverdi, why is it often harder for first-generation students to identify and learn the hidden curriculum compared to their peers?
What is because their families may not have prior experience with these specific institutions, so they can't pass down the knowledge?
What major life decision in her early professional career, outside of college, did Alejandra make that helped her begin to reconcile her different identities and find her voice?
What is working in politics / for the White House (specifically mentioning working for Obama)?
"It's not about leaving who you are behind, but rather bringing all of you forward, even the parts that feel messy or don't seem to fit."
What is finding your authentic voice / embracing your full identity?