Annie Chen

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

To me, graduating as a first-generation college student serves as proof of all of the self-advocacy that I've done the past four years. One of the biggest struggles that many first generation students face is the fact that there are no parental figures who can connect them with resources and opportunities in college. Being first-gen means that no one is going to hold your hand and walk you through it. You have to fight for yourself, go out there and find these resources or make them yourself if they don't already exist.

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

I joined Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) when I was a first year. At that time, they were a super small organization with more board officers than they had general members. During my four years with them, this org has encountered many setbacks, including low attendance and poor leadership. However, this past year, APAMSA has reached 100+ registered members and implemented new programs. I'm very proud that we have expanded so much yet still maintained the same tight-knit community that drew me into this org my first year.

• 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?

There are times when I am so busy that I can't reach out to my family consistently or even go home for long periods of time, but they have always been so understanding and supportive. Everything I do, I always have my parents in the back of my mind. They are truly my greatest motivators and supporters.

I also want to thank my best friend for being on this journey with me, all the way from UC Riverside. She's been there through all of the major milestones of my college career, crying and celebrating with me. She's my anchor, the one consistent figure I've had through all four years of college.

• 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?

The staff at the Student Success Coaching Program have supported me through majority of my undergraduate years. Thanks to their mentorship and guidance, I have changed how I approach interpersonal relations, and my coaching abilities have matured significantly.

My PI has also been one of my biggest mentors and advocates. She trusted my abilities as an undergraduate researcher and advocated for my success by introducing me to opportunities such as research fellowships and even the BS/MS Program that I feel I wouldn't have known about otherwise. She has been my role model for what a powerful woman in STEM looks like.

Finally, there were multiple upperclassmen during my first year who would give me advice and answer questions to ease my concerns. Some of them went out of their way to help me make four year plans. Others cooked me foods that reminded me of home and helped me with HUM essays. The kindness they showed me during my first year at UCSD was so critical in setting me up for success and making me feel like I belonged at this school. When I became an upperclassman, I strived to emulate the same kindness and helpfulness for underclassmen.

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

I am currently applying to medical school and will be taking one gap year, during which I will be receiving my Master's degree from UCSD's BS/MS Program

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Co-Founder, First Generation Student Alliance

• President, Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association

• Co-chair, HMP3 Health Professions Mentor Program

• Peer Coach, Student Success Coaching Program

• Senior Peer Coach, Student Success Coaching Program

• Undergraduate Researcher, Thackray Lab

• Member, Circle K

• Member, Biological Sciences Student Association

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Student Success Coaching Program