Stacy Elaine Peralta

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

Growing up as a first generation student and a daughter of Mexican immigrants, I was always told I needed to work harder for what I wanted. As a first generation student, this marginalization identity empowered my dedication and determination to pursue my passion in helping people and giving back to my community. This challenge has shaped my goals of not only finishing college, but also attending medical school to prove to my mother that her efforts and sacrifices have paid off. I have been provided with a well-rounded perspective and education on the social and physical factors that affect an individual’s health and marginalized communities. Thus, as a first generation college graduate I want to utilize my platform to work with public health officials, healthcare professionals, and our global populations to build a better world. From my past experiences and being from Latinx heritage, I’ve become a young woman of vision and a leader of competence through actively exploring the health inequities and disparities among different populations; Mexico, Argentina, and the United States.

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

My proudest moment during my time at UCSD has been being able to acquire internships in Argentina and Mexico that has allowed me to gain a cultural and global perspective on other countries healthcare systems, while also developing my passion for medicine.

• 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?

The most influential person throughout college journey, from whom I have received my ambition, passion, and hard work ethic, has been my mother, Irma Sanchez. Querida mamá, me siento muy bendecida de ser tu hija, y quiero expresar mi gratitud por tu apoyo a lo largo de los años. Gracias por inculcarme una fuerte pasión por aprendizaje y por hacer todo lo posible para ponerme en el camino hacia la grandeza. Eres un pilar de fortaleza y aliento, siempre dispuesta a apoyarme en cada situación. Te quiero mucho.

To my siblings and best friends, Cruz, Lesley, and Evelyn: thank you for being my role models, for being the people trust, always supporting me in everything I do and always pushing me to be the best person you know I could be. Without your love, support, and the endless memories, this would not have been possible. I love you guys.

• 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?

At UCSD, I am grateful to have met driven, ambitious, and genuine people who I have had the opportunity to build strong relationships and friendships with. To my public health course teachers, Dr. Ana Navarro and Dr. Sally Romero, thank you for the passion you illustrate everyday to your students. And to my friends that I’ve met along the way, Maddie D., Karina R., Anna C., Brenda C., and Karsyn S., with your endless support and love through my college journey, I have been able to thrive by always being myself and put my all, with you guys by my side. Thank you

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

After graduating I hope to work in the healthcare while preparing to apply to Medical school next year.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Public Health Committee- Flying Samaritans Organization

• Student Assistant- Shiley Eye Institute

• Hospital Medicine Intern- Hospital Rawson, Child Family Health International

• Intern- Universidad Autónoma De Guadalajara (UAG)

• Member/Merchandise Chairman- Kappa Kappa Gamma

• Member- National Society Of Leadership And Success Org

• Youth Mentor- GIRLS Academy

• Intern- Cedars Sinai Medical Center Summer College Program

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Raza Resource Centro