Ashley Kim

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

Being a first-generation college graduate means to me that I get to inspire younger students who want to pursue a college degree and show them, it might not be easy, but it is definitely achievable. It means that I can be a resource for those who don't have any clue about the experience and help them out. It means my brother can further rely on me for help, whereas I didn't have that due to me being the oldest.

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

My proudest moment at UCSD was becoming a JusticeCorps Student Member. I was able to help so many self-represented litigants and getting them information on whatever legal questions they had. I was not only able to learn so much from the attorneys and paralegals there, but most importantly, I was able to give back to a community that needed this service. It was a very rewarding experience that I will never forget.

• 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 mom, thank you for not letting me give up during my hardest times. You are the reason why I continue to pursue what I want to do because you continuously give me love and support. Gracias mama, te quiero mucho! I would like to shoutout my boyfriend as well, who has made the drive from LA to SD so many times to bring me home and brought home to me. Not only that, but he continuously supported me on my long nights and I am forever grateful! Thank you to my family for understanding I couldn't be at family functions because I was 2 hours away and I could not drive then. Love you all from the very bottom of my heart.

• 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?

I want to first thank my Pines community for allowing me to flourish and grow professionally. I was able to learn so much from my managers and they allowed me to create my family away from home. I would like to also thank my Sixth OL community, specifically PJ and Tracy. They have seen me grow and have given me so much advice. I truly appreciate every single talk I have had with them and I am so thankful to have met them. Love you all!

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

Currently, I will begin a fellowship with JusticeCorps in Los Angeles in the Fall 2020 for a year. After my gap year, I am planning to go back to school and earn a J.D. to continue to be an advocate for my community.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Student Manager - Pines (Muir's Dining Hall)

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Raza Resource Centro