Cynthia Aime Duran

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

Being a first-generation college graduate means more than just being the first in my family to attend college and earn a degree. For me, it means being able to pursue a higher education despite all of the adversities I’ve had in my life. My parents came from Mexico with nothing but the clothes on their backs and all that they’ve sacrificed to give me more opportunities to push me to where I am at today, will never go unnoticed or unappreciated. Even though this is for me, this is also for them. This means that I am living proof that no matter where you come from, you have the potential to go anywhere in life.

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

My proudest moment is becoming the VP of Membership of the UC San Diego Student Foundation and continuously working hard with other trustees to promote philanthropy and help our fellow students in need.

• 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 parents have been the most influential throughout my college journey. I am grateful for all of the unconditional love and support they have given me. I appreciate them for instilling me with a strong passion for learning and for doing everything possible to put me on the path to greatness. I will never forget the important values they have passed down to me - particularly perseverance, compassion, and dependability. I know how much they have sacrificed for me and I feel so honored to be graduating from UC San Diego. I appreciate them so much for believing in me and I owe my success to them.

• 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?

Coach Jennifer Escobar and Coach Stephanie Estrada from the Student Success Coaching Program at UC San Diego have been the most influential throughout my college journey. Having the opportunity to sit down, talk to them, and learn from them has been a major contributor behind my success and achievements. I thank them for believing in me and for continuing to inspire me to pursue my goals with hard work and dedication!

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

I am planning to continue my internship at an international nonprofit organization while preparing for the GMAT, so that I may attend graduate school in the near future.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• VP Membership of the UC San Diego Student Foundation

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Student Success Coaching Program