Amber Herrel

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

Being a First-Generation College Graduate means that I applied myself and accomplished my dream of earning an education. It always felt like it was a far away dream, having not had a traditional high school background, so it means the world to me to actually earn a college degree.

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

I am most proud of completing my degree while at UCSD because I entered the school as an older student returning to school after a series of life challenges. It’s been a long journey for me as a first generation student, and accomplishing my goal of completing a college degree was extremely meaningful for me and my mom.

• 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?

My mother has shown me unwavering support throughout my college journey. Without her support, I don’t know that I could have finished. My friends Derek Gullage and Leslie Babcock have also been major influences, helping to keep me motivated and helping me to succeed. Their tutoring efforts helped get me through some of my most challenging courses. I cannot convey deeply enough my gratitude to all of them.

• 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?

My OSD counselor Alison Luke was a complete rock star and instrumental in helping me to graduate. She kept me focused, organized and motivated throughout my entire journey. I couldn’t have done it without her. Also my Psychology Department advisor Kristi MacKenzie helped me to plan out my schedule to the last detail and always made time for me when discussing my future plans. The professors at UCSD were incredible in helping me to succeed in their classes, showing me an amazing amount of support. A few teachers that mean the world to me are Dr. Gail Heyman, Dr. Margarette Sousa, Dr. Fred Rose, Dr. Emma Geller, and Dr. Esther Hanes. All of these amazing individuals helped me through the incredibly trying challenges I faced while being a student at UCSD.

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

I have many goals and aspirations once I graduate UCSD. One goal is to continue my education in psychology so that I can better serve others struggling with mental illness. I would also like to pursue my passion for art and incorporate it into my daily life. This may involve combining my love of psychology and art into a form of art therapy in order to help others.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Psychology Club

Cultural or Resource Centers

• OSD