Ella Relova

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

Being a First-Generation College Graduate means the whole world to me. No, it does not mean I survived 4 years with no help. It means that I was able to accomplish so many things at my own pace. It means that I can successfully tell my family that I officially graduated from college. It means I was able to do what my family wanted me to do. It means that I was the only one in my family to ever graduate from college, and I believe that is something worth celebrating.

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

Aside from getting straight A's in one of the quarters, my proudest moment from my time in UCSD has to be when I first started UCSD as a freshman. That's when I learned that everything was going to change and I would be a whole new person by the time I graduate. At first it was scary. I had no one to ask what I should do. I basically had to learn everything by myself. From that moment on, I learned that I can persevere on my own.

• 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 not be where I am today without the help of my friends and family. I can always count on them to boost my confidence up. I'd like to thank my family for always encouraging me to do my best and to always do what I think is right. I'd like to thank my friends as well for always making me laugh and for being there when I was feeling down. I can't thank you all enough!

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

In the future, I hope that I am able to conduct research in the Philippines. The Philippines is one of the most biodiverse places in the world and it is also where I'm from. Being able to connect back to my culture while also conducting research on marine life in the Philippines would be amazing.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Member, Kaibigang Pilipin@ (KP)

• Lead, Textbook Information at UCSD Bookstore

• Resource Counselor (RC), OASIS

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program (CASP)

• OASIS - 2Excel

• OASIS - SummerBridge