“Sí Se Puede” (Yes, You Can) is a mantra that emphasizes the importance of resilience and not giving up. Drawing from personal experiences, Debra Balandrán illuminates systemic barriers and unique obstacles faced by first-generation college students. From community college struggles to becoming a master’s of public health candidate, she shares insights from her personal journey about resilience, adaptability, and community support. By framing challenges as detours rather than dead ends, her talk empowers first-generation students to achieve their educational goals. Debra Balandrán is a dedicated public health professional pursuing her Master’s in Public Health at Sam Houston State University, concentrating on Health Education and Promotion. She holds a BA in Bilingual Health Care Studies, a minor in Spanish, and has over eight years of healthcare experience. As a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, she has presented at national conferences on topics such as vaccine hesitancy in Latino communities. Debra’s commitment to education and community service has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE) Graduate Student of the Year and multiple SHSU Sammy Awards. As a bilingual, first-generation student, she leverages her experience in health education, multicultural skills, and collaborative problem-solving to improve health outcomes for underserved communities. Debra’s passion for inspiring others in higher education and community drives her ongoing pursuit of excellence. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx