Alyssa Nicole Marquez

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

Being a First-Generation Latina College Graduate means that this opportunity would not have been possible without the struggles of my grandparents and parents. I recognize their struggles, trials, and hard work which motivated me to push on. Graduating from a university is in honor of them. Ever since I was a little girl, my family instilled in me the drive to pursue higher education because they did not get this opportunity. They never let me think that I could not do it.

When I entered UCSD, there was a culture shock. I felt out of place and struggled academically while others around me seemed to have it all together. Throughout the process I met other First Generation students that were struggling with self doubt. We bonded together and knew that if our families were able to overcome adversity so could we. Even if that meant spending hours in the Teaching Learning Commons, Geisel, or Office Hours.

Being a First-Generation College Graduate means that my focus will be to help other first-generation students have access to this opportunity. Freedom begets freedom. We are to use our freedom to help others gain it as well. I hope to support my brother and my younger cousins throughout their journeys.

I am proud to be a First-Generation Latina College Graduate.

¡Todo es posible!

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

My proudest moment has to be the time I registered for an upper division Global Health class at UCSD, even though I was a Freshman Biochemistry major. My proudest moment was discovering that I had a passion for Public Health. I switched into the major during my second year and instantly felt joy in every class. It was a "This is why I am here" feeling. Although I switched into this major during my second year, I was still able to graduate in 3 years!

The second proudest moment was sharing my testimony about my mental health journey at an InterVarsity event. This led to planting a Mental Health Bible Study. The first meeting just so happened to be on Mental Health Awareness Day! Having an open space on campus for my peers and I to share our struggles and seek God's love in the process was beautiful.

• 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?

Without the words of encouragement, support, and love from my family I would not be where I am today. There were countless times when I thought I was not meant to be at UCSD. That I was not smart enough, driven enough, or fearless enough. My Mom, Dad, and brother would pick me up every weekend my freshman year until I felt comfortable being on my own. Mom, Dad, I know you have struggled and persisted thank you for being my rock and my light. They were my motivation to push on knowing that I had an army supporting and loving me. All of my wonderful Grandparents, provided me with words of wisdom. Hearing the words "We are proud of you", "Dios te dará la fuerza para seguir adelante", and "You are right where you are meant to be", will forever stick with me.

To my friends that turned into family, I adore you. Thank you for the laughs, hugs, and spontaneous adventures. Raquel, Emma, and Ron, you have seen me at my best and at my worst and without hesitation have continued to love and support me. You are all the reason why I was comfortable at UCSD. Thank you for letting me be myself.

• 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?

I am deeply grateful for the staff at UCSD InterVarsity. They have walked with me since the beginning of my first year. They believed in my potential when I did not and were constant reminders of God's love for me. To my IV community, you are the heart of UCSD and I am forever grateful to have met such open-minded, multi-ethnic, loving friends.

I am also grateful to the Sixth College Residential Life community. Being on staff with the leaders of Sixth College for 2 years was an amazing experience. The whole community was focused on helping and challenging one another. Studying together, sharing stories, and trying new things will always be my favorite part. You never let anyone feel left out or alone. Thank you Sixth College RA's.

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

After graduation I will be working as a Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator for The Skinny Gene Project in San Diego County. I chose the field of public health for the sole purpose of improving the overall health of individuals in the community through preventative based measures. This includes all forms of health, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual.

My long-term desire is to establish a coordinated care network of non-profits that are able to assist the underserved populations in San Diego County. To increase accessibility and provide culturally sensitive care.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• President of UCSD InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

• Mental Health Bible Study Leader for InterVarsity UCSD

• Sixth College Residential Assistant

• Triton Community Leadership Institute Member

• Central Operations Assistant at the Alumni office and Career Services Center

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Triton Community Leadership Institute