This month, Pathways is excited to recognize Tania as our volunteer of the month! As a dedicated volunteer, Tania supports our clients as a citizenship prep tutor, helping them understand the questions they will be asked during their USCIS Citizenship interviews.

Tania brings a professional background in Quality Assurance, currently working for a pharmaceutical company. She earned her degree in microbiology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 2017, combining her scientific training with a strong commitment to service. 

After navigating her own 19-year journey to citizenship, Tania felt compelled to become involved in legal immigration work and support others facing similar challenges. This passion led her to Pathways, where she finds fulfillment in working directly with clients and connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

Our citizenship prep tutors and volunteers are truly the backbone of Pathways to Citizenship. They go above and beyond to support students not only in preparing for the civics portion of their citizenship interview, but also in understanding what to expect during the process and building essential English vocabulary. Many tutors work closely with students for months, offering consistent guidance and encouragement before they even apply for citizenship.

The dedication, compassion, and hospitality of volunteers like Tania are the reason so many of our clients feel confident, supported, and fully prepared on their journey to citizenship. We are deeply grateful to Tania and to all of our tutors for the time, care, and heart they bring to this important work.

Reflecting on her work, Tania shares: 

“There isn’t a single narrative for ‘the immigrant experience.’ Their stories encompass a wide range of backgrounds, reasons for migration, and paths to where they are today.” 

By sharing her own experience, Tania hopes to empower clients and help them build their confidence as they prepare for their USCIS interviews and take important steps towards achieving legal status.

Tania was also featured and recognized in The San Diego Union-Tribune. Read her article here: