Kevin Jia Yue Chen

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

Being a First-Generation College Graduate means I have accomplished one stepping stone of my life. This is also for my parents who got me so far and who supported me in every way they could, whether it was cutting up fruit for me while I worked to taking me places where I could learn more about the world around me. This new identity also provides me with a privilege of advancing myself into a better person. I'm more observant, more aware, and more supportive of the intricacies that have brought me to this moment.

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

One of my proudest moments from my time at UCSD was the first full day I was a mentor for Triton Community Leadership Institute, knowing that I would be overseeing 10 incoming freshmen students as they began their journey here at UCSD. In their first year, I was able to connect with a diverse group of students who had amazing goals for themselves and were some of the most inquisitive people I've met. To each one of you, I am proud of how far you have gone and your journey doesn't stop here.

• 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?

Additional people I'd like to recognize are my college best friend Sydney Blouin, first year roommates, my social circle, my engineering community, and my former coworkers. Thank you all for being very open to me, for all of the late nights, and love for each other.

• 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 most influential people here at UCSD are the Marshall Admin staff (Monica, Lizzie, Kristian, Amber, Claire, Sophia, and more), the TCLI pro-staff (Frida Alvear and Katy Brecht), and the full-time members of Goody's Place. Thank you all for supporting me and giving me the opportunity to show you what I can achieve together with you.

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

I will be glad to return home briefly and spend time with loved ones in person. In the future, I look to combine my engineering degree with my sustainability minded perspective to support a cleaner accessible world.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• VP of Community Affairs - Engineers for a Sustainable World

• Mentor - Triton Community Leadership Institute

• Orientation Leader - Marshall Orientation Program

• Team Member - Goody's Place