Isabella Garcia

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

Being a first-generation college graduate means the world to me. I feel very blessed to be able to graduate from an amazing university and to have the support of my family. I am forever grateful to have been given this opportunity and I hope to continue to strive towards my goal of being the first member of my family to earn their PhD.

• 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?

Without my family, I would not be where I am today. Their unwavering support throughout my time here has been life changing and I owe it all to them. This whole experience was new to all of us and I am very lucky to have had them by my side. I am also grateful for all the friends I have made while being here and the support we are found for each other. Especially within my major, we have formed a little family and are always there for one another.

• 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?

Within the Anthropology department, I have had several mentors who have guided me though and continue to offer advise beyond my undergraduate education. Dr. Jade d'Alpoim Guedes is my mentor who has worked with me the past two years on various research projects, including my Honors Thesis. She has provided endless support and advise along with helping me to become a better researcher. I thank her for her willingness to work with me and for all the assistance she has provided. Dr. Geoffrey Braswell is a faculty member as well as mentor who has also provided me with advise regarding a career within archaeology and how to advance within my academic career. I thank him for all he has taught me and for his support within the academic world. Within the Religious Studies department, Dr. Danya Kallares is a wonderful faculty member who has taught me that there is no limit to what you can learn from a religion class. I thank her for always being understanding and for the fascinating lectures that I will never forget.

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

My short-term goal for after graduation is to gain some experience outside of the world of academia in order to broaden my understanding of archaeological practice within the world. During this time I also hope to apply to various PhD programs and continue my academic career after a short break. My long-term goal is to hopefully obtain by PhD and continue archaeological research, specifically within archaeological heritage management and cultural preservation.

Campus Affiliations

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Academic Enrichment Programs - McNair Fellowship