This FRCC graduate soars as a first-generation trailblazer.
As we recognize First-Generation College Celebration Day, Front Range Community College proudly recognizes students and alumni who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Almost half of FRCC students are first-gen. One of those remarkable trailblazers is Ashelen Mas Zarate, an FRCC alumna who has turned her childhood dreams of flight into reality.
Today, she’s a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII), preparing to teach and mentor new pilots while continuing her own path toward the airlines.
A Supportive Start Close to Home
When it came time to choose where to begin college, Ashelen knew she needed a place that offered both support and opportunity.
“I chose Front Range because I wanted to start my college journey somewhere that felt supportive and close to home,” she says.
“I also knew I wanted to go to a four-year college eventually, but I didn’t want to be in debt right away, so starting at a community college was the smarter and more affordable option.”
“I had heard a lot about the resources for first-generation students and the opportunities to grow both academically and personally, which made FRCC the perfect place to begin.”
Pride and Purpose as a First-Generation Student
For Ashelen, being the first in her family to attend college carries deep personal meaning.
“Being a first-generation student meant everything to me and to my family,” she explains. “My parents worked so hard to give me the opportunity to go to school, and I wanted to show them that their sacrifices were not for nothing.”
“Going to college was my way of giving back to them, of making them proud and showing that all their hard work and effort led to something meaningful.”
Discovering a Passion for Aviation
White attending FRCC, a turning point came for Ashelen when she began exploring her interests through the TRIO Student Support Services program and other campus opportunities.
“FRCC really gave me the foundation to explore my interests.”
“Through TRIO and other support programs, I gained the confidence and tools to take my dreams seriously,” she recalls. “The advisors and mentors at FRCC encouraged me to look into aviation and helped me figure out the steps to make it happen.”
With guidance from advisors and mentors, what started as curiosity became a calling.
The Power of Mentorship
Throughout her time at FRCC, where she obtained her associate degree in business, mentors played a critical role in Ashelen’s growth and confidence.
“The TRIO staff had a huge influence on me,” she says. “They truly believed in me, even when I doubted myself. [The director at the time] Vanessa Mendez was one of the biggest mentors and role models for me. She pushed me through every obstacle that came my way and always encouraged me to reach out for help and take advantage of opportunities.”
“Having mentors who took the time to understand my goals made all the difference and inspired me to do the same for others.”
Balancing Flight, Work and Study
Ashelen began flight school at Epic Flight Academy while still completing her studies at FRCC. Obtaining a Commercial Pilot certificate, requires a minimum of 250 total flight hours. This is when she faced one of her toughest challenges yet.
“The most difficult part was balancing everything — flight school, work and the classes I was still taking at FRCC. There were times when it felt like a lot to juggle, but I kept reminding myself of why I started. I leaned on the discipline and time management skills I had learned at FRCC to keep pushing through,” she says.
That balance became key to her success in aviation training.
Perseverance Through Doubt
Ashelen eventually transferred to the University of Colorado Denver where she earned her bachelors degree.
Ashelen’s path wasn’t always smooth. There were moments of self-doubt and times when she questioned if she could really make it through. But she leaned on her support system, especially her father.
“My dad helped me the most through that time and always encouraged me to keep going, even when things got tough,” she reflects. “I knew it was worth pushing through for him and for everything he’s done for me. It feels incredible to know I’ve paved a new path for my family and that my younger siblings can now see what’s possible.”
Lessons from Being First-Gen
The experience of being a first-generation student taught Ashelen life skills that carried into other real life scenarios.
“Being first-gen taught me how to ask questions, seek help and stay resourceful — all skills that are essential in aviation. It made me more resilient and open to learning from every mistake, which helped me grow as a pilot,” she says.
Those same qualities continue to guide her every time she takes to the skies.
Words of Wisdom for New First-Gen Students
Now, as an alumna, Ashelen offers advice to students who are just beginning their journeys:
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she says. “There are so many people at FRCC who truly want to see you succeed. Take advantage of every resource, apply for as many scholarships as you can and get involved by joining clubs or programs that interest you.
“Most importantly, remember that you deserve to be here. Your story and your journey matter, and FRCC has so many opportunities, you just have to reach out and take them.”
Flying Toward the Future
Ashelens’ next chapter is already taking shape. She is logging her flight hours to eventually join the airlines while preparing to mentor and guide new students through their own flight training journeys.
And she’s thinking long term.
“My goal is to fly for the airlines and continue growing in the aviation industry. I also want to mentor other students, especially those who are first-generation or from underrepresented backgrounds, and show them that it’s possible to make their dreams happen too,” she says.
Gratitude and Growth
Looking back, Ashelen credits FRCC for helping her find both direction and community.
“I’ll always be grateful to FRCC and the people who supported me along the way,” she says.
“My time there taught me that no dream is too big when you have the right community behind you. For me, aviation has shown that the sky isn’t the limit, it’s just the beginning.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that being first-generation isn’t a limitation; it’s a strength. And for Ashelen, that strength has helped her reach new heights.
