Alexander De La Cruz

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

It means that I have made my parents proud. My parents came to the United States to allow my siblings and I to have a better life. Their dream was to watch us walk the college stage and live a life that they could not. Graduating from UCSD will allow me to make my parents proud and set an example for my siblings and future family members that anything is possible even in the presence of adversity.

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

My proudest moment was making the UCSD Rugby Team and being part of the culture to turn the team into a winning championship organization. Alongside with this accomplishment, I was most proud of submitting my last final because I know I will be the first college graduate for my family.

• 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 providing me the opportunity to attend university. I would like to thank my roommates who have been supportive in this process. Last I would like to thank my loved one who was there throughout the whole process. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to you all.

• 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 Lisa McDonnell for allowing me to have the opportunity to conduct research under her name. I would also like to thank Brian Kennedy, my head coach for UCSD Rugby for giving me the opportunity to play scrum half for UCSD Men’s Rugby.

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

I will be pursuing a masters degree in the short term here at UCSD in the BS/MS program. In the long term, I will be pursuing Medical School and becoming a Neurosurgeon.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Vice President - UCSD Men's Rugby

• Instructional Assistant - Biology Department

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Raza Resource Centro