Personal Challenges Inspire a Life of Giving Back for Rahmayah Contreras

For Rahmayah Contreras, earning a college degree once seemed out of reach. Growing up in a family that faced housing instability and financial hardship, she didn’t even imagine college as an option. Between resources and experiences, combined with a positive outlook, Rahmayah’s story is one example of how far determination can get you.  

Rahmayah, 20, is a San Antonio native and a proud learner at Palo Alto College (PAC). She grew up in a tight-knit family – guided by her hardworking mother, a single parent of four.

“There were moments when we were searching for stability and a place to call home,” Rahmayah said. “But my mom always made sure we had what we needed and kept us focused on school and our future. We stayed together, supported one another, and never stopped believing things would get better.”  

College didn’t seem possible for her, given the circumstances. It wasn’t until her high school graduation from Southwest Legacy High School that she grew motivated to pursue higher education. As she walked across the stage to receive her high school diploma, Rahmayah took it all in, and something shifted within her. She knew she wanted to do what most in her family never had the opportunity to do: earn a college degree.  

But how would she afford it?  

She turned to the college closest to home, and that’s when she discovered AlamoPROMISE, which covers tuition and required fees for graduating high school seniors in Bexar County.

“I wouldn’t be here without AlamoPROMISE,” Rahmayah said. “It took away the stress of paying for classes and books. It gave me the chance to focus on my goals.”  

In her first year, she became a work-study student in the Carlos Alvarez Family Welcome Center. She found joy in helping incoming students with the admissions and financial aid processes, supporting people in need of assistance, and bonding with colleagues who supported her own student journey. 

Through work-study and AlamoPROMISE, Rahmayah has been able to join special events, attend board meetings, and speak alongside leaders at the Alamo Colleges.  

“Initially when I started college, I just wanted to get a degree and didn’t think about extracurriculars on campus too much,” Rahmayah said. 

Those experiences gave her a new perspective and drove her to become increasingly involved, which was rewarded in April 2026 when she was named student trustee alternate for the Alamo Colleges. Again, in June 2026, Rahmayah’s dedication as a student was recognized as she was named the AlamoPROMISE Student of the Month.

 “Serving as the student trustee alternate is an honor I never thought would happen to me,” Rahmayah said. “Now that I’m speaking with vice presidents, the SGA [Student Government Association], and getting feedback from students at the campuses, it’s inspired me to be more involved.” 

Rahmayah credits the Alamo Colleges for helping her find her passion. She cares deeply about student support and providing aid to those who feel unseen. The faculty and staff at the Alamo Colleges have helped her grow not just academically but socially. Rahmayah is eager to offer that same mentorship as a way of paying it forward to learners coming from similar backgrounds. 

Rahmayah draws most of her inspiration from her mom. Raising four children and working multiple jobs, she recalls her mom’s ability to work long hours and still make time to be with the family. The strength she displayed became Rahmayah’s blueprint for facing her own challenges. 

 “Rahmayah is determined, strong, and a very joyous person,” her mother, Roxanne Contreras, said. “When she smiles, she smiles with her eyes. Growing up was hard because there was a lot of things I could not give my kids... We would always say, ‘If I’m strong for me, I’m strong for you.’ She’s grown into a protector and a nurturer.” 

Rahmayah learned those characteristics from her mother, and they continue to strengthen as she experiences college life. Her journey would not have been possible without the help of the Alamo Colleges, her family, and countless others within the education community. 

“I always wanted her to make her own way,” Roxanne said. “She’s got the drive to go on and be great, and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”  

In May 2027, Rahmayah is expecting to graduate from Palo Alto College with an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management & Operations. She plans to continue her education at PAC to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Management. Rahmayah wants to build a career around serving learners in higher education and her community, providing guidance to those who may feel limited, and giving back to the community.

Rahmayah’s story is an example of what’s possible by never giving up.

“Ask questions and embrace change because there are opportunities around you that are outside of your comfort zone,” Rahmayah said. “I was afraid of getting rejected, and now I’m not afraid of the unknown. There truly is hope for anyone who keeps that positive outlook. I know I’m ready for what’s next.”