Alexis A. Villegas

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

It means the world to me being a First-Generation College Graduate and being the first one in my family to go and finish college with a bachelors degree. I am extremely proud of all my hard work and the many sacrifices that I had to get through to get where I am today. I am really fortunate to have a family that supports me and has been very patient with me over these last five years I have been in college. I know that I am setting an example to my two younger brothers and to the rest of my family. I am happy and really glad that I have made it this far.

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

My proudest moment from my time at UCSD would be being able to raise my GPA and having the opportunity to change my major to something that interests me and that I feel really passionate about. By majoring in Ethnic Studies I was able to meet really amazing and wonderful people who helped me grow and become a better person. I am proud of all of that and I am happy I made the decision of switching over to Ethnic Studies.

• 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 like to thank my family for their support these last couple of years and for their commitment in allowing me to move forward. Everything has been a blessing and I don't think I would've done it without them. My friends and faculty/staff that I was able to meet these last few years have also made a big difference in my life. I really enjoyed the time we spent together and all the great moments we had together.

• 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?

First off, I would want to thank all of my Ethnic Studies and Sociology professors that I had these last three years at UCSD. All of them taught me so much and I am really glad I got to meet many of them. Second, the faculty and staff at the Ethnic Studies and Sociology departments, the faculty and staff at the Raza Resource Centro and at OASIS have all pretty much made my experience at UCSD one that I will never forget. I enjoyed every moment of it and I am glad that I made the decision to transfer here in the first place. Lastly, the students and people that I was able to meet these last three years made my time in school a memorable one. I was able to meet a lot of them and many of them really made a big difference in my life. They helped me grow and become a better person. I am extremely happy and fortunate to be a part of it all.

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

First, I plan to work over the summer and get some experience before applying for another job in the fall. I am currently in the process of looking up non-profit organizations that are geared in helping high school students or families in need where I live in North County San Diego. I believe that working in a non-profit will prepare me for my future career and goals I have for myself. Second, when it comes to long term goals, I plan and also currently in the process in preparing myself to be a court interpreter. I want to take a few classes and earn my way to get a certificate in English/Spanish translation/interpreting. This is a long term goal and I am working my way to getting there one day.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Raza Resource Centro: Social Justice Intern (2018-2019)

• OASIS: 2nd Year Experience Program Peer Mentor (2019-2020)

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Undocumented Student Services

• OASIS

  • 2Excel

  • TRIO Student Support Services Program

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Cross Cultural Center

• Raza Resource Centro