First-Gen Alumni Spotlights

Ahmed Ahmed

Please select your college: Marshall College

Major and year you graduated: Political Science/ Public Law

What have you been doing since you graduated? Helping family             

What does being first-gen mean to you? It’s a thing to be really proud of.      

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Keep pushing through the hardships because only you who would make it easy for u and for the people around you.

Alma Renero

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Please select your college: Revelle College

Major and year you graduated: Molecular and Cell Biology, 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated? I have been working as a research assistant and preparing my graduate school applications. I have also enjoyed taking a break from tests and classes.   

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen means a great accomplishment that allows me to set the pathway of higher education for my younger siblings and generations to come.         

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? My advice is to never compare yourself to anyone but focus on yourself and tasks. Consistency is also an advice I would give be consistent with your school work, extracurricular activities, goals, etc. 

Bartholomew Perez

Pronouns: he/him/his

Please select your college: Jacobs School            

Major and year you graduated: Architecture-Based Enterprise Systems Engineering, Class of 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated? I was working full-time during my Masters program. That has not changed, except I was promoted into the role I wanted! I left a Logistics and Modernization organization into a Strategy and Business Development organization at Northrop Grumman as a Systems Architect Engineer! I continue to volunteer my time with The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Southbay LA Professional Chapter as Marketing Director.

What does being first-gen mean to you? First generation does not mean you are helpless! Yes, there are a lot of roadblocks, tribulations and a whole lot of experimentation, but honestly, that is part of the fun. My parents met in this country and made the decision to stay to provide a better life for my siblings and I. Being a first-gen means, carrying a legacy that our parents dreamed we would pursue and make possible. We owe it to them to at least try.        

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Find mentors, ask a lot of questions, network and repeat the process. Mentors should be plural because they can/will provide inside for every aspect of your profession, life and interests. As an example, I have mentors in: Engineering, Real Estate, Writing/Authoring, Social Media Marketing, Future Parenting and the list goes on!

What you know is important in HOW YOU APPLY IT, but who you know can oftentimes help you get your first full time role!

Camila Franco

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Please select your college: Sixth College

Major and year you graduated: Pharmacological Chemistry, 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated? I had the opportunity to stay in La Jolla and work for a contract manufacturing company in the pharmaceutical industry. I also take advantage of living in La Jolla and enjoying the beach.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Hard work. Not only hard work from my part, but even more hard work from my mother who sacrificed a lot for me to be where I am right now. I am thankful for her influence and determination. She has instilled in me a strong work ethic.         

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Persevere. This means being focused and determined to accomplish a goal that you set out for yourself. Trials only mean that you will grow so take advantage of opportunities that present themselves that will help you achieve your goal, but also those that are different and maybe even uncomfortable, because you will learn something. Never stop learning.

Christopher Hutchinson

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Please select your college: Muir College

Major and year you graduated: Nanoengineering, c/o 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated? Job searching and researching graduate schools.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being a first-generation college student means paving my own path of success for myself, my family, and my community. It's an opportunity to take the privilege of higher education and use that knowledge as an extension of power to achieve my passions and goals in life.  

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Keep on going! You can do it! There are times when college is going to get overwhelming, assignments are going to stack, and your brain is going to feel like it has reached maximum capacity. BUT, fear not for there are tons of resources for you to use at UCSD, and a network of other first-generation students that would love to share their tips and tricks ;)

Danielle Mai

Pronouns: She/Her(s)

Please select your college: Marshall College       

Major and year you graduated: International Business (2020)

What have you been doing since you graduated? I have been focusing on furthering my education and applying for grad school to earn a Masters in Business Administration.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen means so much not only to me but also to my family. My parents emigrated from Vietnam to America during the Vietnam War and have endured many struggles and hardships to have a better life. Being first-gen proves that through hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. I dedicate this to my parents who believed so much in me throughout these four years because I truly could not have done it without their support.        

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Even when things do not seem possible, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. You have to want it, you have to work for it, and you have to believe in yourself. You hold the power to unlock the future you desire.

Danielle Viviani

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Please select your college: Eleanor Roosevelt College    

Major and year you graduated: 2020: B.S. Political Science/Data Analytics

What have you been doing since you graduated? Since graduation, I have been working at Cavignac, an insurance brokerage in Downtown San Diego. I started full-time two weeks after graduation as a Risk Control Assistant, and now have a dual role as the Risk Control Coordinator and a Client Administrator. I am extremely lucky to have found such a fulfilling career straight out of college as a first-generation student, and cannot wait to see what the future holds!

What does being first-gen mean to you? To me, being a first-gen continues to be a source of pride in my life, even after completing undergrad. Every day I am motivated to work a little harder, and reminded that success doesn't always come easy.         

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Seize every positive opportunity that comes your way, and work hard to open doors for yourself that may not have already been ajar. Remember that as a first-gen student, you have been doing exactly that at UC San Diego. When it comes to post-undergrad life, continue that momentum. Applying for the grad school program you dream of enrolling in, or the job you aren't positive you 100% qualify for. You are capable of not only fulfilling your expectations, but exceeding them!

Felipe Rangel

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Please select your college: Revelle College         

Major and year you graduated: 2020 Masters of Gen bio 2019 BS Of General Bio

What have you been doing since you graduated?  Job In Industry

What does being first-gen mean to you? It means walking an unwalked pathway and facing many opportunities to grow disguised as challenges

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Ask for help, not because you are weak but because you want to remain strong.  You don't need to reinvent the wheel- Find a mentor who does what you want to do in the future.

Giovanna Olivares

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Please select your college: Eleanor Roosevelt College    

Major and year you graduated: Public Health Major 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated? Working as a contact tracer for the County of San Diego and applying to grad schools!

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen means that I get to be a role model for other first-gens and to the younger ones in my family.  

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? It’s normal to feel like you’re going through this alone but don’t be afraid to speak to peers, advisors, professors. It’s okay to take time for yourself and take a break. Be kind to your mind, body, and spirit.

Hung Nguyen

Pronouns: He/Him

Please select your college: Marshall College       

Major and year you graduated: Speculative Design, 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated? Like many who were affected by Covid, I got my urban design internship rescinded despite being remote. Shortly after graduation, I taken a lot of certificate programs ranging from LinkedIn Learning Courses to AT&T Summer Externship to better market myself. I have also done some volunteer work ranging from UC San Diego Homecoming to Design Forward Alliance, but that was short-lived. Otherwise, I’m still jobhunting and networking. 

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-generation doesn’t only mean becoming the first in your family to attend to a four-year college/university. Being first-gen means to me is taking a leap of a faith to open the door to new opportunities to better yourself. That step forward will become one of the numerous adventures in your journey. Being first-generation means to create a legacy, a beacon of hope, to inspire others from friends to love ones that it is possible to shape your future.        

What advice do you have for other first-gen students?

To network as soon as possible and develop that relationship. Who knows, you could land a job as there are a lot of story revolving about a friend helping them out to get that job. Most important, please take care of your wellbeing and remember to find some fun. Life will have those moments, so please take care of yourself.

Jesus E Rojas Venzor

Pronouns: He/His/Him

Please select your college: Marshall College       

Major and year you graduated: Political Science - Data Analytics, 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated? Graduate School at UC San Diego

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being a first-gen means that people that look up to me will be able to have someone to help them through paths I had to navigate myself. It means that those that supported me did not fail and they should continue to support others to reach their dreams. It also means that, ironically, I am more free than ever to pursue whatever I like and be my own person since I do not have molds I must fill. Following your goals can be a scary lonely road people like myself, but you become confident that if you made it through this, you can make it through many more things.            

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? It is okay to be scared, it is okay to feel inadequate, and it is okay to feel lost at times. It is true that many times the nature of our upbringing will make us feel different if we compare ourselves, but these experiences should be used not to put us down but to learn that we might be different, but we all have a shot at being who we want to be. So take all of those bad moments and transform  them into tools for your toolkit of confidence. Also, If you need help at any time, ask for help, most people are either just as confused as you are or even more so communicate your desire to learn!

Juan Sebastian Herrera Zapata

Pronouns: he/him/his

Please select your college: School of Global Policy and Strategy 

Major and year you graduated: Master of International Affairs, 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated? I came back to my country, Colombia, to work as a researcher on metropolitan and regional development.

What does being first-gen mean to you? It is an opportunity to say thank you to my parents for all the effort, and for being so committed for me to have better opportunities than they had. It also allows me to realize that most barriers can be surpassed through hard work and discipline.       

Kathy Ramirez

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Please select your college: Muir College

Major and year you graduated: Political Science with an emphasis in Public Policy, Class of 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated?  Since graduating this spring, I’ve been working as a consultant for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) where I’ve had the opportunity to develop my analytical and critical thinking skills through a wide array of projects. I have also completed an externship with AT&T Summer Learning Academy. Furthermore, I have been developing my professional skills and civic engagement as a scholar with HOPE’s College Leadership Program (HCLP) and as a member of the planning committee for HOPE’s Young Professional Summit, which is a conference designed for Latinas to gain valuable professional development skills and to build their network.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first generation to me, means that I am continuously finding ways to advocate for myself, my community and taking the initiative to pursue opportunities I’m interested. It also means having the drive to learn while representing generations of sacrifice. You are constantly learning every day about your goals, strengths, and ways to grow.             

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Advice I have for other first-gen students is to seek mentorship, it allows you to broaden your horizons and get through difficult periods. Secondly, take time to reflect on who is part of your community, identify what support looks like to you and to rest before you become burnt-out. Remind yourself that your experiences and emotions are valid especially in times when you are in spaces that you feel intimidated in.

Maria A Alarcon

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Please select your college: Eleanor Roosevelt College    

Major and year you graduated: Neurobiology and Psychology 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated? I began graduate school at UCSD and I am also working as a research assistant at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen means that even though I have faced obstacles to get to where I currently am, there are no limits and if you work hard, you can achieve anything.   

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Find mentors because they will provide resources on how to get to where you want to be. I am happy to mentor any of you interested in pursuing graduate school.

Mary Alaja

Pronouns: She / Her / Hers

Please select your college: Eleanor Roosevelt College    

Major and year you graduated: Human Developmental Science, 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated? Job in Industry

What does being first-gen mean to you? It means showing that it can be done even without the guidance and help that others have.   

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? When you feel overwhelmed, just understand that there is always available help in your teachers, advisors, and peers.

Matthew Kolar

Pronouns: He/him/his

Please select your college: Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD)             

Major and year you graduated: 2020 (MD/PhD)

What have you been doing since you graduated? Intern at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center then Dermatology Residency at UC San Diego

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being a first-generation student means having to overcome many struggles and challenges and becoming a better version of yourself throughout the process. Many first-generation students are from areas where schools do not have the resources to provide adequate preparation for college. College is uncharted territory for first-generation students, and this usually equates to limited career support and having to carve out your own path. Personally, being a first-generation student means having to work much harder than one’s peers to attain a similar level of academic and social sophistication. It also means desperately searching for opportunities and making the most of them. Although the journey for first-gen students is challenging, once through the weeds, they will be able to accept any challenge that comes their way. I believe there is so much squandered potential out there due to lack of opportunity and I hope to change others’ lives as my supporters have changed mine.        

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? My advice for first-generation students is to seek out mentors who truly have your best interest in mind. Find a mentor who instills confidence in you and provides fuel for your motivation. Although the journey will be onerous, always take a step back and remember how far you have come with what limited resources you had. Remember to be humble. And when you’re in a position of leadership, don’t forget where you came from so that you continue to help the next generation of people who faced similar struggles.   

Nawal Helo

Pronouns: She/Her

Please select your college: Sixth College

Major and year you graduated: Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience

What have you been doing since you graduated? Applied to Physician Assistant Programs and became a Neuropyschological Technician at The Neurology Center of Southern California!

What does being first-gen mean to you? First generation means you have made your own path! You broke barriers and you were able to pave the way for those who want to follow in your footsteps whether it be your friends, peers, or siblings. First-gens are leaders!             

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Being in college is NOT easy and even though sometimes it feels like you should quit. Don't. Because in the end, it really does pay off. Also, if you ever need any help, in any way, always reach out. There are a lot of resources!

Sebastian Cuevas

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Please select your college: Muir College

Major and year you graduated: Psychology 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated? Since graduating I have spent most of my time working full-time for the Moores Cancer Center as a Lead Survey Worker. In my free time I have also began to prepare for graduate school applications & interviews as I have taken a gap year to gain work experience before returning to graduate school for a masters in public health. I have also began volunteering for an organization which assists underrepresented youth.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen to me means that I am the first to break a cycle of oppression and opening that doors for the future generation of ethnic minorities. I proudly display that I am a first-gen student as it helps exemplify the struggles that my family and I have gone through to get to this point, so it is something to be extremely proud of. While I am no different that any other student, I believe that this label helps demonstrate that anyone can achieve a college education if they are given the right circumstance of chance.    

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? My advice to first-gen students is to attend a community college if university is not an affordable option. Transferring from a community college will save you a lot of money and headaches for the future while also creating a nice transition from high school to university. I would also recommend students to work a job while taking classes in college so that they can have actual work experience upon graduating.

Sebastian Sarria

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Please select your college: School of Global Policy and Strategy 

Major and year you graduated: Master of Public Policy, 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated? I'm working for a new energy provider in the region, San Diego Community Power. With the energy field being so dominated by white men, I'm putting a different perspective through my work.   

What does being first-gen mean to you? It means breaking barriers, and showing my parents that their hard work has paid off. It also shows me that anything is possible and that you can overcome the biggest obstacles thrown at you. 

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Work hard. Above all else, your hard work will make you stand out no matter what else. That, in my experience, has been the key to success. Also, be true to yourself. As first-gen, we bring unique perspectives that are rare in the real world today.

Shany Avdar

Please select your college: Marshall College       

Major and year you graduated: Structural Engineering Major | Business Minor

What have you been doing since you graduated? Job in industry

What does being first-gen mean to you? Pushing beyond your limits      

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Enjoy the road

Shelby Thurman

Pronouns: she/her

Please select your college: Muir College

Major and year you graduated: Global Health, 2020

What have you been doing since you graduated? I have been working at a startup company based in Palo Alto that is trying to close the disparities that exist in autism diagnosis.

What does being first-gen mean to you? It means I have more freedom to choose the future I want. I have seen first hand the limitations put in place for people who do not have a degree. It is an accumulation of years of hard work, and I am proud of my degree.   

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Seek out support. Do not think you can do this all on your own. Find mentors who can guide you, talk out your frustrations with people who have been in your shoes. There is a lot of pressure when you are First-Gen, but you do not have to handle everything on your own. I let myself flounder when I didn't have to, trust me the stress is not worth it. There are plenty of resources available to support you- utilize them!

Shelton Lo

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Please select your college: Sixth College

Major and year you graduated: Public Health 2017

What have you been doing since you graduated? I received my MPH in 2020 and now am a PhD candidate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

What does being first-gen mean to you? My family and friends all helped to make this journey possible for me, and I am fortunate enough to pursue my goals and dreams.         

What advice do you have for other first-gen students? Always do your best and stay optimistic; look ahead with positivity and keep moving forward!