Michael Angelo Santiago Lopez

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

For me, it means that I am taking the first step and laying the groundwork for future family members. In a way, it shows that being first isn't necessarily scary or something to be reluctant about. It means that I can be a supportive pillar for others, where they can say "if they can do it, I can too."

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

One of them involves a class that I was struggling in, and it was one where your grades relied on a midterm and final– let's just say the midterm score was far from great. I was convinced that if I did not earn a high quality score in the upcoming exam, passing would have been very unlikely. Refusing to just accept that I would have to retake the class another time, I completely invested myself in having no option but to pass. The countless hours I spent to understand and refine my understanding of the subject allowed me to not just pass the exam, but also end up on the upper portion of the curve.

• 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 friends, roommates, and those acquaintances I had the pleasure of meeting in just one instance– each interaction helped shape me in becoming the person I am currently. With all the good and bad times we shared, they all helped us grow as people in this significant portion of our lives. Being able to lean on one another when we needed it allowed for an enjoyable journey through what felt like was just yesterday. It also taught me that the destination we dreamed of when we first started may not be where we would end up; but nevertheless, the way we progressed towards it is still something worth cherishing.

For my mom and dad, your upbringing of me greatly impacted the person I am. The way the two of you had high expectations of me, but were also supportive of my own choices, was monumental in my successes.

• 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?

My professors, teaching assistants, and other staff that I've had the pleasure of encountering have all held a significant part in my experiences in university. From making small talk outside my dorm in freshman year, to breaking down important topics to more digestible pieces in office hours, to clarifying questions from homework in discussion sections, I'm grateful to have experienced those all in my four-year journey.

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

After graduation, I intend on honing my skillsets and making myself a more viable candidate for employment.