Esmeralda Beltran Naranjo

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

Being a first-generation college graduate means taking many risks in hopes that I may be a step closer to achieving a more self-determined future through education. It means being a pioneer of higher education in my family, in part made possible by their ability to pave the way and support me and my ambitions.

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

My proudest moment from my time at UCSD was when I completed an entire study abroad application in a matter of two-days. It was always a goal of mine to study abroad in Mexico City, however, I became consumed with schoolwork and extracurricular's and put that goal in the back of my mind. One day, I suddenly decided to go to the study abroad office and ask about the opportunity. As it was Fall and the application period had ended, my hopes were not high. However, I spoke to the advisors about how much this opportunity meant to me as a junior and was informed that I needed the entire application (letters of recommendation, transcripts, resumes, a semester course plan, and statements of intent) in both English and Spanish by Monday in order to be accepted into the Advanced Study Abroad program. It was that weekend that I worked relentlessly to submit everything. I was accepted and was able to intern at the Mexican Senate, meet amazing people from all over the world, and study at the largest university in Mexico. The experience turned out to be one of the best in my life, as it made me realize my potential to achieve a goal and make a life-changing decision for myself and on my own.

• 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?

I would like to thank my immediate family for their unconditional love and support of my education and ambition. Dad, thank you for believing in me when I decided UCSD was where I wanted to pursue my education; we were both embarking into the unknown but I hope I made you proud throughout the years. Mamá, gracias por estar ahí para mí cada vez que necesitaba una llamada telefónica para sentirme mejor y por siempre recordarme que era capaz cuando nadie más lo pensaba. Audrie, thanks for sending me snaps of home and for Dutch runs when I'd come back to visit. To Francisco, thank you for your patience, encouragement, and for being amazing enough to be married to me during this unforgettable stage in our lives and for seeing the best in me even when I don't.

To my teachers, Mr. Castle, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Nalbandian and Coach Wood: Thank you for inspiring me to become a better version of myself each and every day from such an early age years ago, the impact you have had on me is immeasurable.

To my best friends, Cathy and Sammy, thank you for accepting me into your lives and for experiencing university alongside me, it wouldn't have been as great without our boba runs and late-night talks.

• 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?

I would like to thank Professor David K. Jordan, Professor Matthew Herbst, and Samantha Woolley for their impactful teaching and for making my study abroad experience possible.

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

This fall I will begin the JusticeCorps Fellowship and aid self-represented litigants in the realm of Family Law at the Superior Court, County of San Diego. Following graduation, I will continue my legal education and enroll in an accelerated certification program to become a Certified Paralegal. Next fall, I plan to enroll in law school in order to become an attorney and continue working in the field I have been passionate about for years.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• ERC Orientation Leader

• Academic Connections R.A.

• Club Swim