Dayana Juliette Blanco Galo is the proud firstborn daughter of Honduran immigrants. As the first in her family to pursue and complete a college degree, her journey has been both meaningful and challenging. Growing up, Dayana had to navigate life and higher education without a roadmap. In her words “my dreams were my own, but achieving them often felt like a lonely road filled with obstacles and setbacks.”
From Virtual Graduations to College Classrooms
Dayana is part of the generation that transitioned out of high school and into college during the pandemic, which made that period even more complex and confusing “I graduated high school and entered college during one of the most uncertain times. I started at another institution but quickly realized it wasn’t the space where I could truly grow. Transferring to City College was my last attempt at continuing my education, and it turned out to be the turning point I needed. Here, I not only found the support system I was missing, but I also found myself.”
On The Responsibility of Being a First-Gen Student
As with most immigrant families, education has always been a paramount value in the Blanco Galo household. “My parents, though they didn’t have the opportunity to pursue higher education, instilled in us the importance of perseverance and the transformative power of learning. Their encouragement has shaped not just my path, but also my siblings’.”
Dayana’s younger sister is currently pursuing a Biology degree on the pre-med track at CCNY, and her youngest brother, currently a high school senior, is leaning toward CCNY’s Engineering program. As Dayana proudly shares “together, we are carving out a legacy at City College. Each of us carries forward our parents’ sacrifices in our own way.”
Like many of our first-generation students, Dayana also relates to the responsibility of being the eldest daughter and the role model for her siblings: “my story is not just about being the first to graduate, but about opening doors so they too can walk through with more confidence, knowledge, and support than I had. City College has given me the community and foundation to do that, and for that, I will always be grateful.”
On The Inspiration Behind Her College Journey
Dayana is currently pursuing a double major in International Studies and Business Administration & Management. Her passion for International Studies comes from growing up between two cultures, Honduran and American. That duality opened her eyes to cultural differences. Her story as a first-generation student also informs her deep sense of purpose and public service: “The sacrifices my parents made by leaving Honduras in pursuit of the American Dream gave me a sense of responsibility to not only honor their sacrifices, but also to use my education to be a voice for the voiceless — an advocate for the struggles that my community faces here, and that so many others face globally.”
The same applies to her passion for economics and business. Like many first-gen students, Dayana grew up translating documents for her parents, especially financial ones, which led her to understand the vital importance of financial literacy amongst marginalized communities. “It’s not just about numbers; it’s about peace of mind, security, and building a good quality of life. I believe that when communities have financial knowledge and stability, they can thrive, launch projects, and create opportunities that uplift everyone. For me, studying Business isn’t only about personal growth; it’s about helping others achieve stability and empowerment through financial order.”
As a testament to the importance of building a community and networking with your faculty and fellow students, Dayana shared her experience of finding an internship position at the Global NGO Executive Committee, an NGO to the United Nations. “I was connected to this opportunity through a professor who introduced me to an alum, and from there I learned about the position and applied. This two-year experience has been transformative. It gave me direct exposure to the UN system, expanded my professional network, and deepened my understanding of how NGOs can impact global issues. As I wrap up my second year, I feel more prepared and motivated to continue building a career in international relations and community advocacy.”
As she embarks on her senior year at the Powell School, Dayana is already reflecting on the impact that the school and its community has had in her growth and how it’s helped shape her career trajectory. The words she uses to describe the Powell School are community, dedication, and opportunity, highlighting how the Colin Powell School “has been at the heart of my growth. Its courses and professors supported me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’ve failed myself many times along the way, but my professors never stopped believing in me. Their encouragement, check-ins, and willingness to give me second chances made all the difference. Especially in the moments I thought about giving up. Beyond the classroom, the Colin Powell School has connected me to study abroad opportunities, scholarships, and invaluable academic and financial advising. The Immigrant Student Center has also been a crucial support system, giving me a space where I felt seen and understood.”
About Her Experience at The Colin Powell School
On the role of the Office of Student Success, Dayana shares “the feeling of “FOMO” is real because there are so many opportunities, but the most important lesson I’ve learned is that it’s not about doing it all; It’s about choosing quality over quantity and making the most of the resources available.”
After graduation, Dayana plans to pursue graduate school in International Studies while also gaining work experience in business, with the goal of bridging both fields by leveraging her international background to understand global challenges and applying business knowledge to create effective solutions. Dayana also hopes to travel the world and make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead, continuing to grow both personally and professionally while uplifting the communities she serves.
To fellow Powell School students, Dayana advises “get involved on campus and don’t be afraid to talk to people and build connections. You never know where those relationships will lead. Please take full advantage of the resources City College offers, because they can truly shape your journey. Most importantly, make the most of your time here and always remember to give back to the community that supports you.”
