Theresa Romano

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

Being a First-Gen College Graduate means everything to me. I have wanted to go to college for as long as I can remember. When I graduated high school in 1988, going to college wasn't an option at the time. I made it my #1 goal and kept it at the top of my list. And though it took me 32 years to receive my degree, I DID IT!

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

My proudest moment was being accepted to UCSD! As a transfer student, I worked hard to further my education. UCSD is one of the last schools to send acceptance letters, I was sure that I didn't get in. I had heard back from other colleges but not UCSD. I worked as a secretary at my community college for a student support program and some of my peers had received their acceptance letters earlier in the day. I was working alone in my office when I received the email to check my portal around 6:00 pm - and there it was my acceptance letter! It was a very emotional and exciting moment for me. Even though I’m graduating, I still pinch myself that I was accepted. I know I earned it but after 32 years of getting to this point, it still doesn’t seem real.

• 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?

Thank you to my life long friends Sheri, Kerrie and Michelle. Though out my academic journey that have supported and encouraged me to achieve more, do more, be more.

Thank you to my daughter Ava - for putting up with cereal for dinner during finals, for bringing me coffee while studying for midterms and for leaving me notes of encouragement on the bathroom mirror, my bedroom door, in my planner, in my textbooks/notebooks, my lunch box or pencil pouch for me to find just when I need it.

• 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'm grateful to all of my professors here at UCSD. I've learned a great deal from each of them. Thank you for your scholarship. support, engaging courses and dedication to your students. A special thanks to Dr. Ivana Guarrasi, whose courses on language and thought have inspired my own area of research; to Dr. Nancy Postero whose leadership and guidance has given me the tools to understand and better advocate for those experiencing human rights violations; To Dr. Boatema Boateng to whom I'm grateful for her time and guidance in learning how to conduct research - tools I put to good use this academic year and will serve me well in graduate school; Dr. Matilde Córdoba Azcárate whose important research and courses examining global tourism and branding nature impact space, place and bodies have added necessary layers to consider about communication; and Dr. April Sutton whose course The Geography of American Opportunity highlights how where you live affects where you end up and what opportunities are available to you - an eye opening, and timely course, highlighting the spatial inequalities faced by the poor, minority groups and people of color.

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

In the fall, I will be pursuing a MA in Peace and Justice at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at The University of San Diego. Upon graduation from USD, I plan to serve in the Peace Corps.

Campus Affiliations

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program (CASP)

• Triton Transfer Hub

• OASIS

  • TRIO Student Support Services Program

  • Transfer-to-Career Fellowship Program

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Raza Resource Centro