Frances Rivera

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

It means everything to me! I am not your typical student, I am a mother of 3 beautiful children, I’ll be turning 38 this year. I have juggled motherhood and student life. It has not been a journey without struggles but I have overcome adversity, and have given my children and my nieces and nephews something to look forward to. I hope that I have set an example and proven that with dedication and the right mindset we can overcome all obstacles in our way.

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

I am a transfer student, I transferred in 2018 as a Junior, and am graduating within 2 years with the completion of two BA’s. Honestly my whole journey has been a proud moment, I set out to reach my educational goals and have accomplished so much more.

• 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?

My children have been the most influential during my educational journey! Without their support and resilience, none of this would be possible! They gave up valuable mommy time, and had to share me with my academics. They were always supportive and understanding. The toughest job as a parent is not knowing whether you are making the right decisions and how they will affect your children. My older boys have always been so easy going and supportive. My youngest was months old when I decided to set on this educational journey. When I set my mind to transferring to UCSD, my boys were immediately on board, they share and support my dreams, as I do theirs. My children are my backbone, my lifeline, without them none of this would be possible!

• 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 am always excited to learn new things and hear different perspectives. All of my professors in the Global Health and Anthropology departments have been amazing. They all show such passion and interest in what they teach, as a student it is important for those that are entrusted to teach enjoy what they are doing. There isn’t one Professor in those departments that didn’t go above and beyond to help me as a student, and was always available to answer questions and offer advice. The support I have received from the Global Health and Anthropology professors has been amazing!

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

Short term I plan on completing some research that I am working on, and preparing myself to enter the Global Health MA program at UCSD in the fall.

Long term, I plan on continuing the work that I do with my organization serving local and international communities with free medical, dental, and public health services. I want to dedicate myself to seeking health and social justice to minority populations.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Public Health Officer / Clinic Coordinator / Co-President of UCSD Flying Samaritans

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Raza Resource Centro