Jacinda Luong

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

Being a first-generation college graduate means overcoming the invisible obstacles that were set before me. With the help of my family, friends, and mentors I was able to succeed in a system that wasn't built for me, and it is my goal to help pay it forward to others in the same situation.

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

One of my proudest moments is when I was in a meeting with a student and they expressed their stress over the pressure of their family to succeed. We had an open discussion about how failing is not the inherent opposite of succeeding, how everyone is not on the same path, and to be patient with oneself, especially in such a new environment. They started crying and told me they had never had someone tell them it was okay to be struggling and ever since then, I have always made it a priority to provide my students and residents with that kind of reassurance.

• 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 anyone who has ever believed in me, who have given me encouragement in the early hours of the morning, who've taken the time to grab coffee with me, who have sent me silly photos to make me feel better when the going got tough, and to anyone who has ever believed in me: I would not be who or where I am without you ♡

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

I honestly just hope to find a career that I love doing and be able to give back to my family.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Peer Coach, Student Success Coaching Program

• Rock 'N Roosevelt Co-Chair

• Resident Advisor

• Welcome Week Ambassador

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Student Success Coaching Program