Ivan Gerardo Perez Zuñiga

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

Being a First-generation College Graduate means that although the journey was hard, all of those years of struggle and sacrifice were not in vain. I was able to fulfill the dream that my parents had when we came to this country. I was able to break the cycle and became the first college graduate in my family.

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

My proudest moment at UCSD was when I failed my first class ever. Strange, right? Most people would not be proud about failing a class.

Like most, I'm not proud of failing the class itself, far from it. Instead, I am proud of the actions I took afterwards. I didn't give up or consider myself a failure. I didn't let the F in my transcript define me. Instead, my failure reminded me that being a first-get student is not easy and that failure might happen, but I should never give up because of it. Instead, I might have to work harder than others and that I should not be ashamed to ask for help.

After failing that class, I made sure to get all of the help necessary. I enrolled in OASIS for any class that offered it. I went to any supplemental instruction session and study sessions that were offered. I went to all of the office hours and discussion sections and made sure to ask for help. I made friends and created study groups. After taking action, from that point forward, I didn't fail a class again.

I am proud that even though I tripped and fell, I didn't stay down. I got up, learned from my mistakes and made sure to not fall again for the same reason.

• 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 parents who helped and supported me through out my life, especially during these years in college. I am grateful and I appreciate all of the sacrifices they made for me. Gracias!

• 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 would like to thank all of the TA's and professors who were supportive and helpful whenever I would go to ask questions during office hours.

I would also like to thank my coaches who helped me out during my first couple of months of college, making the transition from a high school student to a college student easier.

I would also like to thank all of custodial and other essential staff at UCSD. Seeing them every morning and telling them "Buenos Dias", not only helped me not forget my Spanish, but it also reminded me of my parents and my purpose for being in college.

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

Short-term, I plan to find a job in any company related to either data science, Machine-learning, or software engineer.

Long-term, I wish to give back. I would like to give back to my community, especially the students who are capable of becoming college students but lack the resources to do so. I also want to give back to my parents who sacrificed so much for me.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Research Assistant

• Machine-Learning for Social Science Lab

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Student Success Coaching Program