'Camp To Campus' is a locally produced documentary that focuses on first generation college graduates with roots in agriculture, offspring of parents who worked in the fields of California.
The film was shown Tuesday night at Cal State Bakersfield and highlights 15 people who came from farmworking families, with little hope of going to college.
But, now they are counselors, attorneys, nurses, and teachers.
'Camp To Campus' is a chronicle of their lives.
"What we are showing is a documentary film telling stories of migrant individuals from the valley and some of the challenges they have encountered and how they have overcome challenges," said Maria Escobedo, CSUB staff member.
The documentary was directed by CSUB graduate Fabian Euresti who came from a migrant labor background.
Connie Perez grew up in a labor camp in Kern County, living there until she was a junior in high school. Her parents always told her school is important, but beyond high school her parents had no answers.
"They didn't know how to get me there. We would talk 'yes, you have to go to school, get good grades.' But, I didn't know you have to apply. There's different tracks in high school you have to do. I didn't know any of that," said Perez.
Today, through years of perseverance, Perez, a graduate of CSUB, is a partner in a local accounting firm. She is also this year's Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Businesswoman of the Year.
"I still care a lot about these kids growing up in these labor camps. And, I think if they hear success stories it will inspire them to want to go on to college and have a career," said Perez.
The movie's message: anyone can get an education and do anything they want in life, hit home for many.
"I just have a huge inspiration, just listening and hearing those individuals that were out in the fields picking grapes or what ever produce. I have lots of family members that actually went through the same," said Danny Soto, a CSUB student.
Another student, Cristain Blanco, thinks it will inspire many people. "It will show them there is more stuff after high school other than the fields. They can pursue other careers out there and opportunities."
CSUB is offering a chance to win scholarships in a video essay contest about 'Camp to Campus'.
Details can be found at www.csub.edu/camptocampus.