Natalia Magaña-Maggio

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

It means everything. Not just for me, but for my family. I feel like I kept going (and will continue to keep going) to school because of them. They were born into circumstances where school just unfortunately was not an option. They didn't choose not to go. It just didn't work out that way, for one reason or another. So, ever since I was a little girl, I was dead set on going to college. I wasn't thinking about "when I get married...", nah. I was thinking about, "when I get that degree..." and here I am. I got here all on my own. I'm so thankful I've had the opportunity to come this far, and even more grateful they've been around to witness it.

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

It sounds silly, but I think every moment at UCSD was a proud moment for me. Each day I had to drive 15+ miles in traffic just to get to the neighborhood I parked in that was a mile away from campus (please figure out the parking situation for future students) and then walk to class, spend a 8-10 hour day learning, studying, making connections, and then of course walk back to the car, sit in more traffic, and either go to work (because I still had a full-time job) until very late or get home to loads of homework. It was a lot. But I did it. Each and every moment, I made the choice to continue with my education, and I'm proud of myself for that.

• 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?

Cesar - day in and day out, you showed up. You encouraged me and always asked, "Is there anything I can do to help you?" whenever you could see I was feeling overwhelmed. You came to all of the productions I was in, often more than once. I am so lucky to have you as my partner in this life, and I love you endlessly.

Lita, my mom, my dad, Shaine, the many kiddos, thank you for believing in me.

• 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?

Naomi Izuka is an absolute angel. She is always willing to go above and beyond for her students. She speaks with words of encouragement and simultaneously offers her time to assist however she can. It's funny because I was in one of her plays years ago, and so when I saw she was teaching Advanced Playwriting, I was ecstatic! It's been a joy to be a student in her class, and I haven't even met her in person! I took her class over Zoom this quarter, yet her authenticity still managed to shine through. She made my experience here at UCSD worth it, and I hope to one day tell her that in person.

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

I plan to do a lot more within our community. Up until this point, I've worked in theatres mainly as an actor but I want to be involved in other ways. I've written both short and full length plays that give voices to my Mexican community, and I think they should be heard. That being said, I also want to make space for other individuals who have never been allowed it. I am Latina, but still white passing, and therefore I hold that privilege. I wish to honor and listen to the stories of many other minorities that make up our communities, both inside and outside of the theatre.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Arts and Humanities PATH Program

• Muir Peer Program