Arlene Banuelos

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

It means finding my own way through trial and error. Luckily, I found a great support system through friends and organizations at UCSD that helped me figure out my path. I hope to be there to encourage and support my younger brother as he finds his way through the remainder of high school and beyond. I am forever grateful to my parents for helping out and pushing me to go to a four year university. The experiences I had and the people I met in college have shaped my outlook on life and given me the freedom to explore who I am.

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

Making it through Spring Quarter of my second year. With my involvement in Muir Musical and The Triton, I was constantly busy and I had to decide where my priorities were. There are a lot of firsts in college and a lot of them happened to me within the first 2 years here. I cherish every moment and mentor who helped me grow and learn.

• 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?

My family and friends have been a big support system and huge motivators throughout my four years in college. A special thank you to my mom, who always believes in me and my siblings, and constantly pushes us to be better and make something of ourselves. Thank you to my friends in J-House for the best times of my life and the Muir Musical family for always being an amazing community I could rely on.

• 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?

Everyone in Muir has always pushed me to do better, but no one more so than Haley Lomax. Through being in multiple committees and organizations in Muir, I was able to interact and learn from Haley in my first few quarters at UCSD. She always saw my potential and pushed me to try harder.

Alongside her was my success coach Alison, who also helped me evaluate how far I’ve come and where I want to go. Alison has a way of making you feel like you are the only person in the world, even when she has connections with many other students.

Through people like Haley and Alison, with warm smiles and open arms, I was able to not just get by but actually enjoy my time here. To both Haley and Alison, thank you for seeing me and being my role models. When I think back on my time here, you are both such an important part of my experience and growth as an individual. Never stop caring and pushing students to be great.

I also want to give a special thank you to Matthew Wilson and Jessica Flores (UCSD Department of Music) for being great mentors and supporting me in my technical theatre work.

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

As soon as the world returns to normal, I plan to work in the theatre industry as a technical director or lighting/scenic designer. Or get into concert photography! Check out my photography work here: https://www.arlenebanuelos.com/ Theatre has given me community and purpose in college and, after working as a stagehand in the Music Department for four years, I realized that I want it to be a part of my life post-grad. As of right now, I will be using my Communication degree and photography experience to work with a close friend of mine on marketing and video editing for small businesses.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Photo Editor for The Triton

• Stage Manager and Technical Director for Muir Musical

• Stage Crew for the Music Department

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Student Success Coaching Program