On May 31, Fullerton School District eighth-graders walked across an outdoor stage on the Fullerton Union High School campus to receive their certificates of promotion from administrators and board trustees while loved ones cheered them on from the stands.
For Martha Trujillo, this moment was a milestone nearly 17 years in the making.
While attending Nicolas Jr. High as an eighth-grade student in 2007, Trujillo exhibited behaviors that led to her expulsion. After grappling with hardships that took her down a negative path, she recalled feeling as though she would never amount to success in her adult life.
Now, as a proud parent with a master’s degree in criminology from UC Irvine and a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Cal State Fullerton, 29-year-old Trujillo was able to reunite with Fullerton School District educators and earn her honorary promotion from eighth grade.
“Her graduation from eighth grade was a testament that it’s possible to pursue your dreams and be welcomed back into the community that is waiting to support you,” said Rossana Fonseca, director of social emotional learning and family supports.
Earlier this year, Trujillo collaborated with the district to share her story with classes at Pacific Drive Elementary and Ladera Vista Junior High. Taking note of Trujillo’s ability to connect with students by sharing how she overcame adversity with perseverance, Fonseca and Dr. Helene Morris, administrative services director of child welfare and attendance, were inspired to grant Trujillo the opportunity to close out a long overdue chapter in the story of her educational career.
After giving a speech during the promotion ceremony at her alma mater, Trujillo said she felt restored due to the positive example she seemed to show for students and parents in attendance.
“I had families saying, ‘That’s right, mija, you did it. That makes us feel like we made it,’” Trujillo said. “I was overjoyed.”
In hopes that her achievement could inspire others, the UC Irvine graduate wanted to send a message to young students facing similar circumstances like being in the foster care system, having parents who are incarcerated, having gang ties or dealing with homelessness.
“Right now you are going through a stage in your life that is very difficult, and you may not know how to talk about it,” Trujillo said. “Be brave and find a supportive adult that you do trust so you can ask for the support you need and the support that your family needs.”
Since getting her life back on track and meeting her educational goals, Trujillo currently serves as an overnight housing supervisor at the local nonprofit Orangewood Foundation. Through her work, she feels grateful to help children and young adults who have also been placed in foster care and dealt with placement instability.
Moving forward, she hopes to pursue a law degree and work with Orange County school districts to provide mentoring services to students in need of additional support.