Orianna Kou

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

It means my parents worked hard to provide me an opportunity that they weren't given themselves. With a degree, I have a greater access to jobs and a higher secondary education if that was my prerogative.

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

Starting Gymnastics Clubs with a few friends at UCSD. From a small group of us, now the club has grown into a big family. Additionally, being awarded the Dean of Physical Sciences Undergraduate Excellence Award was a significant moment for me.

• 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?

I am very thankful for my family because they fully supported my decisions without ever giving me pressure to do better or tell me what they wanted me to do. I am also thankful for my friends with listened to me moan and complain when I was under a lot of stress and who suffered with me.

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

I plan on taking a year off to work in industry while applying for graduate programs.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Treasurer - Gymnastics Club

• Project Team Co-Chair - BMES

• Researcher - Jun Lab