By 1st Lt. Jennifer Brofer
California Cadet Corps
Nov. 8, 2023
Nely Rivas’ journey to Princeton University began more than 3,300 miles away. Born in the Central American country of El Salvador, Rivas immigrated to the United States at the age of seven and lived as an undocumented student for 13 years before becoming a permanent resident this past summer.
“Living undocumented meant navigating the world carefully,” said Rivas, who is now majoring in Politics at Princeton and is set to graduate in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. “I kept in mind that I wasn’t allowed to occupy all the spaces or opportunities, but it never stopped me from trying.”
In 1982, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Plyler v. Doe that under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, if a state provides a free public education to U.S. citizens, it cannot deny such an education to undocumented children.
In California, all children between the ages of 6-18 are not only legally obliged to attend school, including undocumented children, but also guaranteed the right to a public education free from discrimination, harassment, violence, intimidation, and bullying, per California Education Code §§ 48200 and 220.
Rivas is an alum of the California Cadet Corps (CACC), a youth leadership development program that seeks “to transform students into tomorrow’s leaders and community builders." The Cadet Corps motto is “Essayons,” a French word that means “Let us try.” Rivas embodies the Cadet Corps motto by never giving up when faced with a challenge.
“My most challenging experience was coming to terms with the fact that a lot of students here [at Princeton] come from very wealthy backgrounds, have gone to boarding schools, and have a very advanced academic background,” said Rivas, who is now among the estimated five percent of students admitted to the prestigious Ivy League school. “I changed my way of thinking, I feel inspired by that now and understand that my reality is different.”
Rivas participated in the CACC program at Oakland Military Institute (OMI) in Oakland, Calif., and earned the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel. She said the OMI and Cadet Corps “leadership laboratory” empowered students to take on leadership roles, plan and execute events.
“During my time at OMI, I have seen that it is possible to create a cultural shift in a community,” said Rivas. “The CACC taught me to turn apathy into encouragement, to turn it into hope, and later into action. It taught me the power of teamwork, mentorship, and servant leadership.”
Rivas credits her Cadet Corps mentors with helping to shape her into the person she would ultimately become.
“I never had a father growing up, nor a male figure in my life that could teach me a little bit about life,” said Rivas. “Major Carlos De Leon became very influential in my life as soon as I met him. He empowered me to go after my dreams and believed in me more than I could ever believe in myself. [He] became the father I never had and would teach me about life…he continues to be a guiding light in my life.”
Rivas also acknowledged Sgt. 1st Class Michael Traver, Sgt. Kassey Aranda, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Schilling, Staff Sgt. Alex Yin, and Staff Sgt. Sammy Enriquez for providing invaluable mentorship during her time as a Cadet.
“My father is a mosaic of all the pieces of advice, all the wonderful qualities of these brave men, and the love and care they showed me,” said Rivas. “Being a part of the CACC exposed me to a lot of different mentors who come from all walks of life. Their perspective of the world encouraged me to create my path.”
As one of only two Latina students in Princeton’s Department of Politics, Rivas currently serves as Co-President of the Princeton Latin American Student Association, Director of Speakers for Princeton Model Congress, and Community Ambassador for the Emma Bloomberg Center for Access and Opportunity.
“I am passionate about immigration and human rights,” said Rivas, who volunteers with various non-profit organizations that advocate for these issues. “Now as a permanent resident, I can explore foreign affairs in Latin American countries, study or intern abroad, and work with government agencies – in general, more doors have opened up for me as I pursue a career in politics, and I am so grateful for that.”
Less than a week after becoming a lawful permanent resident, Rivas began a congressional internship in Washington, D.C., which she completed this past summer. She hopes to one day attend law school and potentially serve in public office so she can advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, she said.
“Princeton has provided me with amazing opportunities such as visiting the United Nations, meeting ambassadors, interning in D.C., meeting such wonderful and influential people, being funded to do social impact work with non-profit organizations and more,” said Rivas. “I feel just as inspired to create cultural shifts here at Princeton, and everywhere I go, whether in politics or not, these tools are forever in my arsenal.”
When asked what advice Rivas would give Cadet Corps students looking to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams of higher education, she said, “It is so easy to lose hope, so hold on to it tight and learn to be resilient. Society already places labels and limits on us, but challenge yourself to break the boundaries. Expand your understanding of your world, and believe that it is possible to make it to uncharted territory. If you live in underserved communities — outsource. Research opportunities online, make the most of your time, and expose yourself to new adventures. Any opportunity that you land, seize it — make the most of it. Your time is invaluable and precious so invest in your future and that of your future generations.”
As Rivas continues to navigate life’s challenges, she said she’ll never forget the nuggets of wisdom she learned from her Cadet Corps mentors. Among her favorites is this gem passed down from Sgt. 1st Class Jason Schilling: “Know your worth and don’t give anyone a discount!”