BONSALL, Calif. — At three years old, Brisa Martinez moved to Oaxaca, Mexico with her mom after living in North County for the first years of her life.
“I lived in Oaxaca, in a small town called Santa Cruz Etla … in there everyone knew each other,” Martinez said.
After more than a decade, Brisa left the small village where she lived. She returned to the U.S. in 2021 in search of better opportunities to accomplish her goals including going to college and earning a bachelor's degree.
“I had to start all over again, I didn't know any English,” Martinez said.
In three years, Brisa learned English in school and by listening to true crime podcasts. She took advantage of the opportunities presented to her by taking classes through the ‘Early College Program’ through Palomar College.
“I really love learning so I love school and I decided to take college classes because I wanted to challenge myself and see what was capable of doing,” Martinez said.
Early college is a partnership between Bonsall High School and Palomar College’s Fallbrook Education Center that gives students the chance to take courses for free, improve their GPA and earn college credits.
“If I had to describe it and use one word I would say that it is magnific. I met new people there and learned a lot of things,” Martinez said.
Mrs. Eryn Barker is the early college CTE Coordinator at Bonsall High School. Barker tells CBS 8 that about 85 students are participating in the program, almost double the amount compared to last year. She also adds that some of the students in the program are first generation.
“I would say about a third, we've definitely seen growth and you know I attribute a lot of that to students like Brisa who have just paved the way,” Barker said.
Thanks to the Early College Program, Brisa's interest for economics bloomed and is interested in studying the field in the future. She was awarded the Bonsall Forward Initiative Scholarship and named 'legionnaire of the year,' which is the highest award at the high school.
“Proud of my accomplishments and ready for the future,” Martinez said.
After graduation, Brisa plans to continue her education at Palomar College or UC Santa Cruz. To learn more details about the program visit bonsallusd.com
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