Christie Kim

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

Being a First-Generation College Graduate means bringing education to my family through accomplishments and support. I never imagined myself even going to college because both my parents never attended, so it was so surreal that I was the first person in my family to attend college. Therefore, I was determined to make my family proud that I was someone in my family to pursue secondary education at a university. To me, it means bringing connections back home to show my family the different perspectives that this world has to offer.

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

My proudest moment from my time at UCSD is making people feel at home and welcome through my different roles on campus because as a first generation student, I feel that it is important to bridge the gap between the students and education. I strongly believe that it is crucial that students feel included and comfortable in their environment and community to feel belongingness. For example, as an Orientation Leader, I was able to help students feel welcome to the UCSD community as soon as they first stepped into their new environment!

• 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?

AMSA, friends, and family

AMSA is one of my favorite clubs on campus because I always felt excited to go out and volunteer at their events with all the members that were always willing to help the community out!

My friends were definitely people that helped me get through college because so many people that I met throughout the campus shaped me into a better person by showering me with all their experiences and perspectives on life. Thank you Megan Chiu for always checking up on me and spreading positivity!

My family was my holy grail during college because they always provided support for me during the hardest times and they always cheered me on when I needed help or someone to lean on. I love you mom and sis and thank you for helping me get through college because I don't know what I could have done without your unconditional love and happy virus!

• 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?

ERC Academic Advising Staff, ERC Orientation Team, CASP Staff, April Burcham, Michael Burg, Jim Cook, Aaron Coleman, Brian Leigh, Academic Connections Team, Philbert Tsai, OASIS, No Shane No Gain Crew

I just want to thank each and every one of them for making me feel welcomed, important, and included in the UCSD Community. Most of the courses that I took were definitely truly challenging, but the professors made it more understandable and enjoyable with their enthusiasm to actually provide support and help to the students. Also, I wanted to thank all the individuals and staff that I worked closely with through all the jobs and positions I have held on campus.

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

I hope to find my passion and find a job that will enjoy! I also hope to find myself as a person and learn about myself.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• ERC Orientation Leader

• College Ambassador

• ERC Summer Enrollment Assistant

• CASP OLC Co-Facilitator

• Triton Day Ambassador

• ERC Family Orientation Leader

• ERC Senior Orientation Leader

• Academic Connections Summer RA

• Instructional Assistant for BILD 2

• Member of AMSA

• Historian of CORE at ERC

• CAPE Director

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Women's Center