Sabrina Yanira Sanchez

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

It means overcoming obstacles, believing in yourself, and constantly learning from those around you, and yourself. For me, it means having a family that constantly supported my dreams even when others kept telling me I should do something else with my life. Being First-Gen also means becoming a resource to others around me, particularly my family and the students I will one day teach. Getting this degree has been something I've dreamed of my entire life and it'll let help me accomplish my other dreams like giving back to my community and people.

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

Graduating in three years. I decided early on in my second year that I wanted to try my best to graduate in three years once I figured out it was possible. I took five classes a quarter while also working my second year so that I could graduate early and I made it! Knowing I could get through that year, and knowing that I worked hard to be here this year makes me confident that I have the skills and determination to get through the next stage of my education.

• 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 and the friends I've made in Muir have been the most influential in my college journey. My entire family has always supported me throughout this entire journey as best as they can and in all honesty, this degree is just as much for my mom and dad as it is for me. Thank you so much for your endless love and support. I don't know where I'd be without you. And to my friends who have been through everything with me from late night Johns runs and finals meltdowns to crying from laughter and heart to hearts, thank you for becoming my chosen family and filling my college experience with so much love and joy.

• 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?

There are so many people at UCSD who have influenced my time here but none more so than the Muir ResLife team that I got to work with this year. Sonia, LeRoy, and Sima you have all taught me so much this past year and I aspire to one day touch my future students' lives the way you have mine. You all have opened my eyes to the importance of EDI and, more importantly, the way to implement it into my life and teaching. From the very moment I stepped foot in Muir it felt like home, and y'all gave me the opportunity to give back to my community this past year and I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for that.

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

I'm attending UCSD for grad school where I'll be getting a Masters of Education and Teaching Certificate. I then plan on becoming an English teacher and staying in San Diego for some time.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Muir College HA

• Newman Center

• Starbucks