Alania Salazar

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

Being a first-generation college graduate means that I am the first to open the gateway for my family members and future generations to continue thriving for higher education. This is just a checkpoint, all the wins and losses were for continuing with my education to provide a better life for myself and my family. This is not the end.

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

Being able to go out of my comfort zone and be engaged in so many organizations and programs. Without this, I wouldn’t have discovered my interests and strengths nor would I have been able to meet and interact with so many individuals at UCSD.

• 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 family, my partner in crime, and my first year friends. Thank you for giving me the strength during the highs and lows and motivating and encouraging me through the tough times. :)

• 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?

My success coach Alison Herr, Muir ADRL LeRoy Ford, Muir DRL Sonia Rosado, and Muir Academic Advisor Cathy Baez. Thank you for providing me with so much insight on your experiences in college and helping me navigate this university. I am eternally grateful for all your guidance and advice throughout these years, and wouldn’t have been able to discover my passions and interests without you all :).

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

I plan to continue doing research in Santa Bárbara and focus on minority children and young adults who are not recognized by the community. I want to get my Ph.D in Clinical Psychology and provide recognition and assistance to these communities back home.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Peer Advisor for Muir Academic Advising

• House Advisor for Muir College 18’-20’

• Peer Coach for Student Success Coaching Program- Marshall College

• Student Health Advocate

• Senior Research Assistant for Early Learning and Cognition Lab

• Office Assistant for Muir Writing Program

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Student Success Coaching Program

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Raza Resource Centro