Daniela Salome Gonzalez Aragon

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

Being a First-Generation College Graduate means the world to me. This achievement does not only belong to me, but it also belongs to all my family that has sacrificed so much and have always given me their support despite the distance and despite the circumstances. None of this would have been possible without their help, encouragement, but most importantly, LOVE.

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

My proudest moment at UCSD was when I attended the MEDS Conference and learned that my background, culture, and empathy would diversify and enrich the medical field. It made me realize that becoming a doctor was indeed impossible.

• 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?

To my family,

It is because of you that I can today say that I'm proud. I am proud of your unconditional love, of your patience and support when days seemed dark and the goal appeared distant from my reach. I am proud of you having the strength to overcome any barriers that distance put between us because even when thousands of miles away, your words always gave me comfort and confidence that I could achieve anything I wanted to. Because of all of you, I know what resilience is and because of you, I can say that I am now a UCSD graduate. Thank you to my mom, dad, brother, aunt, and all my family.

A mi familia,

Es por ustedes que hoy puedo decir que estoy orgullosa. Estoy orgullosa de su amor incondicional, de su paciencia y apoyo cuando los días parecían oscuros y la meta parecía distante de mi alcance. Me enorgullece que tengan la fuerza para superar las barreras que la distancia pone entre nosotros porque, incluso a miles de kilómetros, sus palabras siempre me dieron consuelo y la seguridad de que podría lograr lo que quisiera. Gracias a todos ustedes sé lo que es la resiliencia y gracias a ustedes, puedo decir que ahora soy una graduada de la UCSD. Gracias a mi mamá, papá, hermano, tia y toda mi familia.

Quien los sabe querer -Daniela.

• 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 will forever remember and thank Dr. Tsai, Assistant Teaching Professor at the Department of Physics for bringing during midterms and finals water and snacks for all of his students. Thank you, Dr. Tsai!

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

I hope to attend Med School within the next two years and grow as a professional and human being who's interested in giving the best of her for those who needed it the most.