Esmeralda Hoscoy's mother always tells her "You can do it." Hoscoy, who graduated with a double major in political science and Hispanic studies, takes that message to heart.

"No one in my family had ever been to high school, let alone college," she said. The San Fernando, Mexico, native never even heard of college until a high school counselor encouraged her to attend. Born in 1985 when her mother was 15, Hoscoy started school in Texas; due to her stepfather's naval career, the family moved frequently. She attended four different high schools, including one in Utica.

"I visited the University at Albany campus and I loved it," said Hoscoy, who entered the Educational Opportunities Program. "I wanted to do something big, to go where no one knew me and strike out on my own."

By any measure, she succeeded. She was vice president of the Student Association for two years, a director on the University Auxiliary Services Board for four, an intern with the New York State Senate, and Webmaster of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. She also put in 30 to 40 hours a week in both on-campus and off-campus jobs.

She plans a master's in public policy from Rockefeller College, and then law school.

"My ultimate goal is to help my family financially so that they all have the opportunities and experiences that I have had. I want them to be successful," she said. "I want to set an example that you can do it!"