Skylena Moya

My name is Skylena Moya, and I was born and raised in Fontana, California. I am the eldest daughter of five, and I come from a Mexican American family. I am the first of my siblings to pursue higher education, initially starting back home ten years ago. My journey toward college unfolded slowly, and I am returning ten years later. I have been guided by my persistence, duty, and finding clarity about what matters through these years. Early on, university wasn’t within my reach. My time spent working in finance and office management helped me lay a steady foundation, it helped me build skills like planning, guiding teams, and a commitment to excellence.  While my stability came through those jobs, each day showed me something deeper and truer: my fulfillment didn’t live in the spreadsheets, it lived in connection. In people, in making a true impact in the world. Over the years, these moments of change, personal growth and becoming a mother gave me a true direction. This direction focused on helping others, listening closely, making space for a real difference.

I am currently a Social Work student at Columbus State Community College. My daughter being only four months old when I started again shifted how I see my time and responsibility. Balancing motherhood and academics have been both challenging and deeply motivating. Through this journey I have learned that showing up matters. If I hope to inspire people around me it is never too late, and especially to inspire my little girl. I am full of gratitude for the opportunity to follow a path that aligns with my values and passions to uplift, help, and support people. Today, I am growing through my studies, one class at a time. Each assignment feels meaningful to me not just because it’s required, but because it connects to real life. Learning isn’t just something I do; it’s part of rebuilding myself and curating a future I can be proud of.

My long-term goal is to become a licensed therapist and advocate for women who are navigating trauma, life transitions, and deep emotional healing.  After finishing at CSCC, my plan is to keep studying at The Ohio State University, then join clinics and neighborhood programs that value empathy, respect for differences, and giving strength back to those who need it in the community. My aim is to create and build a wellness center where others feel noticed, cared for, and more capable; at the same time, showing my daughter how staying committed, learning steadily, and walking a meaningful road can create a beautiful life. Being recognized like this is a great honor for me and reflects not just my efforts done well but also my faith in beginning again, no matter how late it feels, it’s never too late to pursue our passions.

I would like to express a heartfelt thank you to my family for the support in this endeavor, thank you to my beautiful daughter whose birth reminded me that I must live a life that will inspire her and make her proud one day, and to my mother especially for being a pillar and supporter. Thank you, Dr. Devon Carter, for this honor, being an amazing example of what hard work and education can bring and for seeing in me something notable. Finally, a special thank you to my fiancé who has passionately advocated, championed, and supported me throughout this new journey and whom I could not do this without. Good luck to all of you who are reading this, you can do this!