Brandon Arias

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

The first thing that comes to me is success, because I was able to get my degree and gain new experiences that I wouldn't have otherwise. And with these experiences I am able to shape a new future and be able to make my family proud of my accomplishments as well.

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

Being able to give back to my first generation community by co-founding the First Generation Student Alliance and providing a new space for support and community.

• 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?

For my family, I want to say thank you for providing me support through my college experience and understanding that sometimes the support I needed didn't have to be from them. But that does not mean I don't appreciate them trying their best to understand my situation and that I feel the love from them always. LOVE YOU (:

• Who are the staff, faculty or mentors who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

Alison Herr - my Success Coach was probably the number one influential person that I was able to have all four years here at UCSD. She provided me the guidance and support that I needed in my goals and was a person that I would go to whenever I needed advice. I want to say a huge THANK YOU to her because I know that she works very hard and serves many other students, but I want to let her know that I am extremely grateful for all of her help.

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

Finding a job related to either my major or health-related to gain more experience and discover new opportunities.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Student Success Coaching Program - Peer Coach

• First-Generation Student Alliance - Co-Founder

• Muir College Orientation Leader

• Student Health Advocate

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Student Success Coaching Program