Deciding whether to attend graduate school can be a complex process, filled with uncertainty. For Fabio Yataco, the idea of continuing his education toward a master’s degree was riddled with doubt.

“I initially second-guessed myself,” he admits. “I was unfamiliar with the application process, unsure of my ability, and unaware of how I would pay for school.”

He had worked in the public sector and wanted to stay in that space, but he knew he needed to expand his skills if he wanted to take a holistic approach in addressing issues in society. In the end, Fabio’s ambition and desire to grow were greater than the unknowns he faced.

“I wanted to challenge myself, broaden my horizons, and enhance my knowledge,” he says. “I chose to pursue my Master of Public Affairs in Public Management degree because I believed it would allow me to further develop my skills in strategizing, leading, and cross-sector collaboration.”

Yet Fabio says his decision to enter graduate school was also about making his family and community proud. He’s about to become the first in his family to earn a graduate degree. The importance of this achievement isn’t lost on him. In fact, he’s used it as motivation throughout his academic career.

“My goals and aspirations stem from the sacrifices of not only my parents but all who came before me,” he says. “They are the foundation upon my success and my motivation to break the chains of societal expectations. As a Latino and first-generation graduate student, I feel a sense of responsibility to take all that I have learned and use it to bring about much-needed change, to continue to pave the way for the generations to come, and to invest in others so they can do the same for someone else one day.”

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