Willis Nathan Gough

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

Not many know of my personal story pertaining to my academic difficulties with college. When I got accepted to UCSD from community college in 2012, my father was sick and had a stroke. At the time, I was the only one who could take care of him since my mom worked to cover financial expenses. I struggled to balance school and taking care of my father, and it led to academic dismissal in 2013. After that incident, I decided it was best to take a break from college and take care of him until his death in 2014. Despite all the failures, heartbreaks, and disappointments, I persevered and got readmitted to UCSD in 2018, and switched from General Biology to Global Health. My friend came to study with me and keep me company on weeknights, and we pushed each other to work hard and stay focused. What also helped was that I majored in something I genuinely enjoyed. In Fall 2019, I did exceptionally well in my classes and was no longer on academic probation. In our current year, 2020, I finally succeeded in attaining my Bachelor's degree in spite of the trials and tribulations that many currently face. Therefore, to me, being a First-Generation College Graduate means being persistent in achieving your goals, surpassing all negativity that comes your way, and never giving up even when life delays your success.

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

Improving in my classes and getting out of academic probation.

• 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 friends and family members that I'm close with: thank you for always being patient and helping me whenever I needed it. I would never made it through college without any of you. Thank you for believing in me when situations seemed hopeless. Thank you for constantly lifting me up whenever I fell. And finally, thank you for staying with me all these years when many left me. It will be my turn to return the favor soon.

• 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?

To Professors Sherry Hayes and Paula Saravia: thank you for always empathizing, caring for your students, and being flexible to reach outside of class whenever I needed help. It is because of professors like you that students succeed in class and life, and we need more instructors that have those qualities at UCSD.

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

My hope after graduation is to get employed with the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) here in San Diego. I have been volunteering with them since last year as part of my Global Health Field Experience.