Like most people, I’m not perfect. When I was younger, I made choices that led me down a path I never imagined for myself. I struggled with methamphetamine addiction, spent time in a residential rehabilitation program, and ultimately faced a felony conviction, multiple controlled substance possession charges, and several misdemeanors. These challenges made accessing college support programs difficult, as I often felt my criminal record defined my potential.
However, those experiences are part of my story, and I decided they would not define the rest of it. Today, I’ve been in recovery and free from those vices for more than ten years.
I returned to college determined to build a different future. I’m pursuing my bachelor’s degree, earned a 4.0 GPA, and was named to the Dean’s List for the 2025-26 academic year. At the same time, I work full-time for the County of San Diego, a government career I once believed my criminal record would make impossible. The distance between where I was and where I am today ultimately planted the seed for the CLEAR Path Initiative, which aims to provide essential criminal record relief resources and support for individuals like me in overcoming legal barriers.
As I continued my college journey, I realized that earning a degree was only part of preparing for what comes next. I wanted to start planning for life after graduation, and one of my first steps was looking for an internship. What I quickly learned is that internships can be treated much like regular employment. There are interviews, questions about gaps in your history, and in some cases, a background check if you are being considered for a position.
That immediately presented another barrier for me. I decided to get a Live Scan and obtain my California Department of Justice criminal record so I could see exactly what was there and understand what I might be facing. Knowing that my record could limit future opportunities, I turned to college support programs that assist formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted individuals, hoping they could connect me with resources for criminal record relief. I found that while many of these programs provide valuable assistance, the availability of record relief services for college students can be limited, often because the college support programs simply do not have the funding or resources to provide them, making it challenging for those of us overcoming legal barriers.
Since record relief support was not available through college support programs, I spent weeks researching criminal record resources on my own. The quickest option would have been to hire an attorney, but as a full-time college student, my resources were limited, and legal fees were beyond my budget. I decided to take matters into my own hands and learn how to file the petitions needed to address my record. I wanted the opportunity to compete in the job market without letting my past define who I am or the employee I aspire to be.
What surprised me was how manageable the process became once I understood what needed to be done. Most of the work involved researching the appropriate petitions, completing the necessary paperwork, and submitting it to the proper courts. My out-of-pocket expenses were minimal, mostly for paper, printer ink, envelopes, and postage. While I was able to navigate the process on my own, I also realized that not every student has the time, patience, or resources to spend weeks overcoming legal barriers within a complicated system. That realization became an important part of what CLEAR could eventually provide in terms of support for college students facing similar challenges.
As I went through this process, I began to ponder larger questions.
How many other college students are pursuing careers that may eventually require a background check? How many are working toward a degree without realizing there might be another barrier waiting for them after graduation? And if criminal record relief can significantly impact future opportunities, why isn't it a greater focus within college support programs serving formerly incarcerated students?
I recognize that each person's history is unique, and not every student will qualify for record relief. However, this reality makes awareness all the more essential. Colleges do an incredible job of providing college students with support in enrolling, staying enrolled, accessing counseling and mental health resources, finding employment, and building supportive communities.
Those services matter.
Nevertheless, support should also encompass preparing students for what may come after they earn their degree. A student might find a job that does not require a background check today, but a future promotion, professional license, or career opportunity might. We should assist students in understanding those possibilities, along with resources for overcoming legal barriers, before they encounter any obstacles.
Having a past criminal history myself, I know firsthand the possibilities that arise when legal barriers are addressed. After pursuing criminal record relief, I was able to secure a government job with the County of San Diego—something I once believed would never be achievable due to the choices I made years ago. The relief I felt was profound, almost like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I want other formerly incarcerated college students to access the same college support programs and resources that can positively impact their futures.
CLEAR has also become a vital public service initiative for me. When college students receive essential criminal record resources and gain access to employment opportunities, they can better support themselves and their families, ultimately helping them build their lives. I believe there is a connection between overcoming legal barriers and enhancing public safety, although more research is needed to fully understand that impact. CLEAR is my way of using my lived experience to initiate that conversation, develop a pilot program, and help students realize that their past does not define their potential.
I‘m just a college student initiating a pilot program based on a problem I experienced firsthand. My mission is to bring college support programs to students within the San Diego Community College District by introducing CLEAR. This initiative assists formerly incarcerated students in becoming more informed about their criminal records, available criminal record relief resources, and the steps they can take before graduation. While CLEAR is still small and operates with limited funding and resources, every meaningful initiative starts somewhere.
My long-term vision is to develop CLEAR into a nonprofit organization that can eventually support college students across the country. I aim to form partnerships with colleges, licensed legal professionals, community organizations, and others who are committed to providing effective support for overcoming legal barriers, ensuring students have a fair opportunity to move forward.
Whether through funding, donated resources, reduced-fee or pro bono professional services, education, or simply raising awareness about record relief options, the goal is to create a model that colleges and communities can adopt to help students prepare not only for graduation but for the opportunities that lie ahead.
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