Jorge Ceballos Gazca

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

Being a First-Generation College graduate means that the collective sacrifices and efforts that it took for me to be here were not in vain. It means that you can accomplish what you set your mind to regardless of what background you come from. It also means that you can overcome and break the norm so that the new paths to success can begin to be laid out.

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

My proudest moment was being able to redirect my path to graduating in four years after struggling to enter a capped major. I had fallen in academic probation during my second quarter in UCSD but I quickly recovered and maintained a good standing for the rest of my college journey.

• 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 has always been my source of motivation since I can remember. Seeing all their sacrifices they have made over the years just so that I can have these opportunities empowers me to push through. This accomplishment feels that I have fulfilled their life long goal of giving their children a better life. Thank you very much, I love you Mom and Dad.

• 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?

As an underrepresented Latino student in UCSD, the group of people that were the most influential were the organizations of Hermanos Unidos and OASIS. They gave me moral and academic support respectively but they also became a home away from home. The support and guidance from the coaches and staff of the Success Coaching Program were also a great support when I was still adapting to the system. I would like to thank all of these great organizations and everyone not mentioned who helped me through this journey.

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

The goal is to make a living in the greater San Diego area and begin working in the power engineering industry. I would also like to support my fellow first generation students through the Hermanos Unidos organization and the Success Coaching Program.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Alumni Chair, Hermanos Unidos de UCSD

• Costume Chair, UCSD Ballet Folklorico - La Joya de Mexico

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Student Success Coaching Program, OASIS - 2Excel

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Raza Resource Centro