Daniela Hernandez Oaxaca

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

It is such an amazing honor. I am the first in my family to graduate so I was the one that had to experience the process of applying to college and applying for scholarships all on my own. Because of this I was able to help my sister who just finished her first year at SDSU and we will hopefully be helping my younger brother in a few years. Being a first gen student is something really important to me because it would not have been possible if it would not have been for my parents who sacrificed so much to give me and my siblings a better life.

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

My proudest moment at UCSD was on February 22, 2020. One that day the Early Outreach team at USS hosted the first ever DREAM Conference for high school students from the grater San Diego area. So much time and work went into making this conference a reality and seeing all of the attendees that we had was such an amazing feeling. I am really proud of all of the work that went into this conference because this was something I wish I would have had when I was an incoming freshman.

• 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?

People that have definitely influence me the most throughout my college journey have been my family and my husband. They have always been there during the good and the challenging. I know I will always have their support since they only want the best for me. My mom has been my biggest motivator during this entire journey and the main reason I am graduating. Their love and support has kept me going during those times where my procrastination got the best of me and I was struggling to keep it all together. They were there during my breakdowns because of the stress I put myself through and they will most definitely be there during my graduation, whether it is virtual or not. I love you and you are the reason I am graduating from UCSD as a part of the Class of 2020!!!!

• 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?

There has been quite a few people who have made such an impact during my time at UCSD and my life in general. First of all, the EDS department in general have been such an amazing support. This department is filled with wonderful and caring professors who actually want to know you. During this online learning experience they have made sure to check in with us and provided any and all resources that they can. They encourage me to become the best teacher that I can be. Secondly, OASIS as a whole has also influenced and made my time at UCSD amazing. There are many people there such as, Jen and Sabrina from MSTP and Stephanie from Summer Bridge, who have at one point provided so much knowledge and advice to help me specially during my first year at UCSD. I made so many friendships and connections during my 4 years being with OASIS. Lastly, the Undocumented Student Services center. This space has been a safe space for me where I was able to go for support for me and my family as well. Daniel, Christian, and Andres have been such wonderful people because they make sure to connect with the students. I am really grateful that I got the chance to get closer to all of you and everyone from the center during my last year there. we created so many memories that I will cherish forever. Thank you all so much!

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

I will be taking a gap year in order to get some experience as a substitute teacher. After this I will be attending a credential program in order to attain my teaching credential. I hope to become an elementary school teacher and a future Social Worker.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• OASIS Summer Bridge 2016 Cohort;

• OASIS 2Excel 2017 Cohort;

• Clerk, OASIS MSTP;

• Early Outreach Intern, UCSD Undocumented Student Services

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Undocumented Student Services

• OASIS - 2Excel

• OASIS - SummerBridge