Christopher Hutchinson

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

Being First-Generation means that I am the first in my family to have the opportunity and privilege to attain a higher education, making it possible to acquire the knowledge and skills I need to help me pave my own path in the world. It means I can share what I've learned with my family and community, further supporting the generations of firsts that have this same opportunity, acting as a guide and supporter. It means I broke the chain and did what others said I couldn't do.

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

One of my proudest moments at UCSD was finally declaring a theatre minor. I had debated whether I wanted to change my major or not, and questioned what I wanted to do in life throughout all four years of college. However, at the end of my second year, after talking to supervisors, classmates, and close friends/family, I made the decision to continue my engineering education and pursue theatre as a minor with an emphasis in acting. It may seem like a small decision, but the impact it had on my motivations and happiness was big. This moment marked a step forward in controlling my life and pursuing my passions. It pushed me to take the risks I needed in order to feel fulfilled; I can only do so much in this world so it might as well be something I truly enjoy.

• 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?

In general, most everyone I've gotten to know in the Theatre department has influenced my decision to do art. Seeing my peer's amazing productions and artistry was an honor to watch, and at times, be a part of. All my fellow classmates in the Nano department - you are the reason I wanted to continue pursing engineering. If I were to name everyone I admire from my class I would take up the word limit. But, if you're a part of that cohort and are reading this: thank you for helping me get through the classes, the long hauls of programming and group projects, and of course, crystallography. Also, shoutout to the Nano TAs: Grady, Olivia, Diyi, Pedram, Andrew, Sneh, and Rory. These individuals saved my life, guiding me in some way or another, whether it was getting through a difficult class, giving life advice, or sharing their insight about the nano world. Then, there's my closest friends (yes, multiple, and the order listed doesn't matter so don't come after me): Alyah Kanemoto, Felicity Soueidan, Patricia Haro, Abby To, Serina Estrada, Kati and Tabby Telles, Aditi Gaur, and Kylie Etter. I most definitely forgot some people, but know that I love you all, including those not mentioned, and I am beyond happy to have found these people in my life. Lastly, I can't give gratitude without mentioning my Dad. My Dad doesn't get the credit he deserves in raising and supporting me. I wouldn't be here without him, and although we have our clashes and arguments, he always wants what's best for me, and did everything in his power to make sure it happened. I love you dad. Thank you Mom, Michael, Sarita, Nicole, Azita, and Nicholas for showing me love and affection throughout my time away from home. Who would've thought I'd be here today haha ;).

• 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's a large list of people at UCSD that helped me become the person I am today, and has led me to the finish line. Not taking into account the many friends I had the pleasure of making throughout my four years, the faculty members that have been most influential are Patty (Patricia Mahaffey) and Dr. Patrick Savaiano. If it weren't for these two incredible individuals, I might've not have completed my first year at UCSD. They have helped me overcome my biggest challenges, and greatest fears, and a shoutout is nowhere close to the actual gratitude I have for them. I would also love to thank the entire Student Success Coaching Programs and their incredible team. I seriously don't know what I would've done if I didn't have the opportunity to work with them my last two years. Lastly, I want to shout out Mark Guirguis and Robert Castro for being incredible professors and having meaningful conversations with me about my future, interests, and the many many questions I have about life.

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

Short term I hope to find a stable and secure job that has a good work-life balance, then eventually apply to graduate school to get an MFA in acting. Ideally I would love to be in a position where I can pursue the arts while keeping the science part of my life intact, but depending on where life takes me that might change. Another goal of mine is to be well-traveled! Working or studying in a foreign country would be amazing, and after my short time abroad, I recognize just how massive everything is outside of these borders.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Peer Coach/member, Student Success Coaching Program

• Orientation Leader, John Muir College (2017)

• Executive Member, writer, actor, SOAR Performing Arts

• Actor, Muir Musical

• Actor, Company 157

• Actor, Director, Nomads Theatre Company.

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Student Success Coaching Program