KaVonna Holloway

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

It means making it despite obstacles. It means proving myself and even others wrong. It means being a part of making a path for others like me and showing that it is possible. Specifically, making a path for my younger siblings (I think they think I’m cool). Being First-Generation also means I’m helping a path for my family in its entirety. Being able to have them proud of me and see my achievements means so much. I’m not only First-Generation, but I’m a Black and low-Income student who was able to prove society wrong. No one could tell me I could not go to college because I did not have the money or the resources. I made it possible for myself because it was what I wanted and it means SO MUCH to actually be at this point where I’m graduating. It means so much more than I could ever explain in words. It was one of my younger self’s dreams. I am fulfilling one of my dreams.

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

Making it through my 2nd year. It was definitely one of the hardest school years of my college time, emotionally and academically. I was proud to say I completed it in the best way possible and ended on a really great note. I also officially had made it halfway through my college experience and that in itself was a major accomplishment. My 2nd year was one of the best, but also one of the hardest; and I was grateful for having those experiences to help my future self (which they did).

• 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 mom is and will always be my support. Her strength and pride in me influences me everyday. She can get me through some of the roughest days without even knowing I was having a rough day. She supports me no matter what and that lets me believe in myself for any possibilities I dream about. I don’t question my dreams now because I know I have my mom there to support me. Thank you for always supporting me and loving me!

• 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 are so many people who have influenced my time here at UC San Diego, but specifically at Muir College. Without Muir College, I have no idea where my growth would have started. I apologize in advance for the length of this response and not being able to list every single person (haha). To my John Muir College Residential Life office staff throughout the years (Raymond, Becca, Nicolette, Nicoletta, Flo, and Sarah) and Professional staff you are all so amazing and I appreciate you all so much. Professional Staff includes Dr. Sonia Rosado, LeRoy Ford, Sima Navid, and Pat Danylyshyn-Adams. Throughout my 4 years here, Muir Residential Life has been my rock and I thank all of you for hiring me and keeping me in the office these four years, supporting me in the ways that you could as a student and a person, and appreciating me for the work that I do and have done. To the John Muir College Student Affairs team, thank you for giving me the Muir experience that I had. Whether that be putting together events that made my college experience, having M.O.M. (Middle of Muir) to always be a centered and welcoming space for me, giving students a voice to express their opinions and concerns, and making Muir College the positive and welcoming space it is today (this includes Patty Mahaffey, Anne Hawthorne, and Hayley Lomax, who have all left to different positions and places, but were a part of my experience). Patty, I am so grateful that I know you and have been able to know you better over these years because I have always admired you since Orientation of my first year of college. To the John Muir College Academic Advising staff, thank you for not only helping me keep my academic life together, but also being amazing, supportive, and friendly faces. I love talking with each of you. A specific thank you to Gabrielle Yates (no longer in the position) for helping shape my first-year experience in believing in me and my possibilities to be an introverted leader for the Freshman Orientation program, and Joseph Villegas for being a funny and shining personality who also supported and appreciated me in my leadership journey (you’re awesome). And last, but not least, thank you to Provost Wayne Yang for being the best Provost this college can ask for. I am inspired every time you talk and I truly appreciate everything you do for this college and its students.

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

My general hope is to do something that I love to do. I am fully aware that this could leave me in various different directions, but with everything going on, I absolutely have no idea what the future holds. So for right now, I just want to be able to do something I enjoy and love. My general long-term goal is to hopefully have a career in dance. I want to be able to be a professional dancer and share my love of dance with those near and far from me.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• 2016 - 2017; 2017 - 2018 John Muir College Residential Life Intern (2 years)

• 2017 John Muir College Freshman Orientation Leader

• 2017 - 2018 Associated Students Concerts and Events (ASCE) Special Events Intern

• 2017 - 2018; 2018 - 2019; 2019 - 2020 UC San Diego College Ambassador (3 years)

• 2018 Production Assistant for Muir Musical's Production of Jesus Christ Superstar

• 2018 John Muir College Freshman Orientation Assistant

• 2018 - 2019 John Muir College House Advisor (A-House)

• 2019 Ensemble for Muir Musical's Production of Hairspray

• 2019 - 2020 John Muir College Returning House Advisor (O-House)

• 2020 Ensemble for Muir Musical's Production of Pippin (sadly cancelled this year)

Student Retention & Success Programs

• OASIS - 2Excel