Victoria Araiza

• What does being a First-Generation College Graduate mean to you?

Being a First-Generation College Graduate means to me that I will be one of the first in my family to graduate and earn a college degree. Perhaps more importantly, I hope it means that I have made my parents proud, and that I am able to have made all their sacrifices for me worthwhile. I hope to pursue my dream job all the while making a substantial living for myself and future family. Additionally, being a first-generation graduate to me means that I will somehow be able to help and pay back my parents for all that they have done for me. They have undoubtedly supported my schooling at UCSD and have provided the emotional support I greatly needed. Without them, I would not have made it this far, and would likely not be graduating from such an institution. Finally, being a first-generation college graduate does in fact give me a sense of pride, but it also represents a symbol of hope for my family. My aspiration is that I have showed future generations of the family, that going to school and becoming a college graduate is possible. Despite the barriers and obstacles that may come, if you believe in yourself and your dreams, you can make it through. These are the things that being a first-generation college graduate mean to be, and the symbols of triumph that it represents.

• What is your proudest moment from your time at UCSD?

My proudest moments in my time at UCSD was without a doubt volunteering through Flying Samaritans, and also at Ira Harbison Elementary school through the EDS courses.

Through Flying Samaritans, I was able to provide medical assistance to an underserved population in Baja California, Mexico. Individuals whom we served don’t regularly have access to medical care, and services that are essential throughout one’s life. Additionally, at Ira Harbison Elementary, I was able to tutor and work with students within a fourth-grade level class. From attending a low-income school, these students don’t have access to the extra resources, or materials that might greatly impact their learning experiences. Therefore, working with these students and getting to know each on a personal level, was a journey I have been extremely grateful to have had. Because these are moments that helped others, in the hopes to help provide assistance to those in need, these have by far been my proudest moments. Had I not attended UCSD, these are programs that I don’t believe I would have been able to participate in. Furthermore, I wouldn't have been able to help individuals in this way or have gained any of these valuable experiences.

In addition to these programs, I am also proud of myself academically. Specifically, I am proud of myself for maintaining an honors level grade point average. Despite being a first-generation student and being completely new to the college experience, I still managed to maintain a decent GPA. For me personally, obtaining such grades is not easy. Consequently, I do feel accomplished that I studied and worked so hard. These have been my proudest moments at UCSD, and are accomplishments that I am in fact extremely proud/happy to share.

• Who are the family members, friends or loved ones who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

The individuals that have been the most influential throughout my college experience, and that I would like to mention, are my mom and my dad, David, Delphine, Adriana and Mayra.

For my parents, thank you so much for all of your comfort and love through my late-night studies, and for hearing me out when I was overly stressed and needed to vent. You two always reassured me that I would be able to persevere. I can never thank you both enough for always believing me, and for allowing me to receive an education so that I may pursue my dreams. David, you have seen the most stressed sides and also the most relaxed sides of me throughout the majority of my UCSD journey. But thank you for always being so understanding and patient throughout it all. Your love has gotten me through the toughest times in college, as well as in all aspects of my life. Without you I would not have had nearly as much confidence in myself to persevere through some of the challenges I faced. Thank you for always being my rock. Delphine and Adriana, I am so grateful to have had you two stay by my side throughout our many years of friendship, and for your constant love throughout college. You two have always believed in me and I definitely would not have been able to get through some of the humps without that support. You two are so amazing. Mayra, thank you for always making me laugh and for your friendship. UCSD had so many ups and downs but thankfully we got through it together and cheered each other along throughout the way. Thank you for all of our memories, and the love and support you have always given me.

I cannot thank all you enough.

• What do you plan or hope to do after graduating?

After graduating from UCSD, I plan to attend a nursing school/program. My dream job and long-term goal is to become a Registered Nurse, and to work specifically in the field of pediatrics. Later on, I am considering the possibility of continuing my studies, and working to become a Physician's assistant. Nevertheless, my ultimate dream is to work in and be a contributor in a health care setting. I hope that by doing so, I will be giving back to my community, and making a positive difference in people's lives.

Campus Affiliations

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Student Success Coaching Program