Serina Estrada

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

When I first got to college, I thought this meant that I am the first person in my family to receive a Bachelor's Degree. Now that I'm only a few weeks away from graduating, I realize that it means so much more than a degree. Yes; I have attained a level of knowledge that older members of my family never had the opportunity to attain and I am extremely grateful for it. It also means that I was privileged to experience ages 18-22 through a university lens. I was a completely different person when I first got here. Attending college molded me into who I am. I've learned so much more in life experiences during these past four years than a degree could ever teach me simply by constantly being around a diverse group of people and studying in different countries as well. The world is so much larger than I ever realized. I couldn't put all that I've learned into words. It feels like in the blink of an eye I transformed from a girl to a woman. This didn't happen at one point in time that I could name, but rather it blossomed out of my collective experiences over these past four years. I found myself here, and I will fight to ensure that all of the younger generations in my family have even better opportunities and experiences so that they too can find themselves.

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

Studying abroad was one of my proudest moments. Nobody in my family has ever left the country--they've barely even left their respective states. I knew that each step I took abroad was for my family as well as myself. I represent them everywhere I go. I still feel a little guilty looking back at my time abroad because I didn't get to share that experience with them. One day I hope to take my family to all the places that I went when I studied abroad and more!

• 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?

Thank you to my mom, my grandparents, and my cousin Alyssa for being my number one supporters throughout this entire journey. My best friend Turner has been with me since my second day of college, and witnessing our transformations as performers and as people has been magical. I'll always daydream about singing in the car with him on an impromptu journey to who-knows-where. My best friend Chris has been with me since week two of college. We were roommates for our second year of college as well, and that was a crazy fun time. Chris is someone who is always down for an adventure, and because of him, I am a more adventurous person. My platonic soulmate Avery came into my life as my second roommate for the past couple of years. Our soulmate arc is one for the ages. We've both learned so much from each other, and I am grateful for the positive light she has brought into my life. All three of these people mean the absolute world to me. They have been with me through the best and worst times of my life so far. We've all taken care of each other in many different ways, and I know I can trust them with my life. I've already written dramatic birthday posts for them this past month, so I'll spare them more reading. Just know that I love y'all with my entire soul, and I can never repay y'all for all that you've done for me!

• 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?

Alison Herr was the first influential person in my life at UCSD. I was surprised that someone as caring and understanding as her even existed. She has been my day one cheerleader, and I will always be grateful for that. Her and the entire SSCP staff are like my home away from home. They are my college family. Robert Castro and Kim Rubinstein are the two acting professors and mentors who awakened me to what acting truly is. They are beautiful souls. They know when to be stern for the purposes of pushing young actors outside of their comfort zones, and they're simultaneously empathetic and compassionate. They love each and every one of their students. They'll call you out in a classroom for not giving 100% of yourself to learning, but they'll be the first people to vouch for you. They have truly changed my life for the better, and I feel blessed by their presence in my life.

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

Short term I plan to take a year off of school. I'm going to get a full-time job and pay off all of my student loans or as much as I can before attending grad school. I didn't apply to grad school this year because fall quarter was too stressful, and I didn't have the means to. I want to pursue an Acting M.F.A., but the application process requires an in-person audition. Most auditions are held in different states, and I didn't have the time or money to do a lot of traveling. Because of the pandemic though, I believe auditions will be held completely virtually this year for the first time ever, and this provides low-income applicants like myself with the unique opportunity to apply to multiple prestigious grad schools!

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Former Artistic Liaison - Company 157

• Co-Founder - Healing Your Heart

• Muir Peer Mentor

• Participant - Discover the Law Program

• Actor, Wagner New Play Festival x2

• Writer, Undergraduate Writers' Workshop

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Student Success Coaching Program