Roxana Aracely Montalvo

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

This degree means as much as it does to me as it does to my family. Without their continued support through out the years, I don't know if it would have been possible for me to make it this far. My parents always taught me the value of hard work and dedication and they didn't need a diploma to instill those precious values in me. Being a First-Gen graduate means being an example and role model for my nieces. Instilling in them that if you set your mind to something, anything is possible.

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

I had the opportunity to work with various organizations and a diverse group of people at UCSD that helped shape my college experience. I dedicated nearly all four years to giving back to my home college community, Muir will always have a special place in my heart and is why much of my college involvement is Muir-centric. I think that one of my proudest moments was being able to work with the council to install Solar Umbrellas in the college as part of my project. The support I received was immense and I know that my contribution will help future students whether that be by charging up their phones in-between classes or sparking a brand new idea.

• 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 would like to thank my mother and father for everything they have given me. I know that supporting a child through college is no easy financial endeavor but they stuck with me every step of the way. I want you to know that even through all the experiences and hardships I've had in college my Salvadorian roots and heritage have kept me grounded and focused. I am also thankful for my brother, you have always been someone I look up to and I am grateful to have someone believe in me. To my friends who I will be graduating (virtually) alongside, we did it! The last four years have been a wild time, but I am grateful for all the friendships I have gathered along the way.

• 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 think that moving to a new environment and adjusting to being more independent can be a hard transition, but I am thankful for having a dedicated advisor and staff at Muir college that helped me along the way. They have always felt like my extended family that have been there for some of my proudest moments. I am grateful for being able to have meaningful interactions and know that they care about students. I would also like to thank my senior project faculty mentor, Geoff Cook, who has been the embodiment of a dedicated professor who cares about his students. He was always very supportive of my ideas and allowed me to learn more about my passions such as volcanoes and minerals in his classes.

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

My goal is to continue promoting sustainability in everything I do and hopefully obtain a full time job working towards sustainability or land use planning. Graduating amidst a pandemic is not ideal, but I've been told we are a resilient class so I know I will be back on track saving the world soon enough!

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Muir College Council: Vice President of Finance, Vice President of External Affairs, Environmental Advocate

• Member, Alpha Omicron Pi

• Econaut, HDH Sustainability