Nancy Paola Ortiz Vega

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

As a First-Generation College Graduate, I experienced a mix of emotions throughout my journey. I remember my nervousness when I became the first in my family to attend college, the joy of receiving a full ride to UCSD, the pressure to do good in school, and, ultimately, pride in being able to say that I graduated with honors from a distinguished university.

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

Looking back, I don’t feel like I have a singular moment I can point out as “my proudest moment,” instead I have several experiences (both good and bad) that have shaped me into the person I am today. I am proud to be who I am and be the first in my family to graduate from college.

• 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 can’t seem to find the right words to convey everything I want to tell those who have supported me throughout this journey. I mainly want to express my gratitude to everyone that has helped me, all of my family members, friends, and mentors. Without all of your unwavering support, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and more importantly, I wouldn’t be who I am today. A special thank you to my mom for teaching me resilience, dad for instilling hard work, and most importantly my brother for making me a better person, you have unknowingly shaped me into a better version of myself. I appreciate everything everyone has done, and I do not take any of it for granted.

• 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?

There are so many people that have helped me on this crazy journey. I want to start by thanking all of the staff from the Chancellor’s Associates Scholars Program (CASP) for helping me through it all. I want to give special thanks to Belinda Zamacona (from CASP) for everything that you did for me throughout the past four years, I appreciate all of it. I also really want to thank Karen Van Ness (also from CASP) for making me feel so welcomed and always making time to listen to me and allowing me to vent when I really needed it. I want to thank Nel and Leah Garcia from the CSO Program for always providing me with advice and encouraging me to exceed my own expectations.

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

I plan to protect and serve my community to the best of my abilities.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Officer in Charge, Community Service Officer Program

• Member, MEChA

• Member, Scholars Society

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program (CASP)

• OASIS

  • 2Excel

  • SummerBridge

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Cross Cultural Center

• Raza Resource Centro