Originally from El Salvador, Hazel grew up with her small family. Although living a pretty good life, challenging circumstances made her wish for a better future. In her desire for greater quality of life and with inspiration from the perseverance of her mom, Hazel migrated to the United States at 15 years old.

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During her time attending high school, she gained perspective on diversity due to being surrounded by individuals from different cultures which helped her proudly embrace her identity. Living in the Bay Area, Hazel is aware of the variety of support for immigrant communities, which has brought clarity into her immigrant background. Feeling immensely proud of her roots, she believes it an honor to be connected with her heritage, as it brings purpose and meaning to her life. Although still facing barriers linked to her immigration status, she is passionate about having a positive impact on her fellow immigrant communities. 

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In high school, Hazel acquired support that guided her college journey. As a proud first-generation student, Hazel attends San Francisco State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Holistic Health. She aims to become more knowledgeable on how the social system works as well as getting educated on how to improve her well-being. 

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As a DreamSF fellow, Hazel is placed at Good Samaritan Family Resource Center, where she will provide support to newcomer migrant families. While there, she aims to develop her skills as a family advocate. As an immigrant herself, she understands the difficulty of arriving in a new country, so guiding families through that process inspires her. She also hopes to gain knowledge on immigrant rights and resources. 

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Hazel truly believes to succeed and live a balanced life, knowing oneself is fundamental. Taking care of herself is an essential part of her life and daily routine, and during her free time she is constantly looking for activities that make her happy such as dancing, practicing yoga, reading, and spending time with her loved ones. Although she has faced struggles linked to her immigration journey, this drives her determination to find and achieve her purpose in life.