Polly Baca

"It was a challenging time, because as women we were doing something that had never been done. But it was an exciting time as well."

"The racism we experienced really burned a flame in my heart that created a passion to help my community. Because of that scholarship, I felt this burden – I was one of the few people who looked like me to get this opportunity, so I owed my community to do well, and it wasn’t acceptable to fail."

"Change happens incrementally, it doesn’t happen overnight. I started the process on so many different issues, and some of it got passed, and some of it is still being worked on."

"I encourage young people to take risks and to follow their hearts, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something you want to do. Just go ahead and try it; if you fail, it’s okay, just keep going forward. So take those risks and follow your heart – and work hard while you’re doing it."

"I always enjoy coming (to CSU). One of the reasons I do is because this university changed my life, and I think it can change yours as well, but you have to be open to allowing change to happen."

"I didn’t just watch (politics evolve).I participated in helping the change happen."

"I want students that come to CSU to value their experience here and everything they encounter on this campus because it’s a unique opportunity. Not everyone is able to come to CSU. It’s a gift and an opportunity that you need to explore to the fullest extent."