Serafin Andrade has had to navigate through countless obstacles in order to reach his academic journey. Each challenge molded his resilience and fortitude. Being pushed out of school in the 8th grade, lacking a high school diploma, and facing incarceration at the age of 19, was the most significant setback in his life. Yet, within those trials emerged a determination to surmount adversity. His resolve didn’t waver in the confines of incarceration; instead, it propelled him to seek educational opportunities even when the odds were stacked against him. Engaging in college courses and earning Microsoft certifications underscored his dedication to continuous learning, even amid the restrictive environment of incarceration.The pivotal point arrived upon his release, as he fervently embraced higher education. Despite the absence of a traditional high school diploma, he moved forward, fueled by the desire to defy limitations.
Now, on the cusp of graduating from University of California, Berkeley as a sociology major, his academic pursuits stand as a testament to resilience, determination, and an unyielding commitment to self-improvement. Serafin aspires to teach young people in an academic setting, mentor, counselor, and study law. These intersections come from what was lacking in his life, firsthand experience, and the passion to serve, and give back to his community.
Serafin’s journey has imparted a profound understanding of resilience, a belief in the power of education, and a fervent dedication to creating positive changes within the academic landscape. These experiences, far from deterring his academic pursuits, have fueled an unwavering commitment to not only overcome challenges but to pave the way for others facing similar obstacles. This motivates him to use his lived experience, sociology degree, and culture capital to advance and center the needs of students in educational settings in the future. As well as potentially study law and become an advocate for immigration justice.
As a DreamSF Fellow, Serafin has been placed with Mission Action, where he supports the Deportation Defense & Legal Advocacy Program (DDLAP) within the Community Engagement & Organizing Department. The program has grown to provide legal representation in complex deportation cases, expand access to a broad range of immigrant legal services, and advocate for systemic reforms aimed at addressing the root causes of community displacement and injustice.
There are many hobbies and interests Serafin enjoys doing in his free time: like crocheting, going on hikes, and snapping pictures. He allows his creativity to flow and direct him into paths he would normally shy away from, like writing poetry, which has become healing and therapeutic.
