Danielle Viviani

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

To me, being a First-Generation College Graduate means making the absolute most of the opportunities I have been given, that my own parents were not. It means never taking for granted how fortunate I am to be taking a course, even if it is the hardest one yet. Most importantly, however, being a First-Generation College Graduate to me means never forgetting that self-worth and accomplishments are not purely based on educational merits. My parents are the most accomplished individuals I know, not because of their level of schooling, but because of the level of love and endless acts of selflessness they provide to the world around them. Maintaining this perspective is something I believe to be pivotal to any professional career. Being a First-Generation College Graduate means being privileged to have parents who serve as a constant reminder of this perspective.

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

My proudest moment at UCSD was becoming the Associated Students Elections Manager. I have always been passionate about individuals having their voices heard, and being adequately represented in government. Being able to give the student body the space it needs to form their own opinions about who would best represent them by ensuring all candidates ran fair, and fun campaigns has been an incredible experience. This past year, the world around us shifted dramatically with a turn to remote learning alongside the rise of COVID-19. Navigating these unprecedented circumstances, having our A.S. elections be virtual for the first time in history, is something I am incredibly proud of myself, other representatives of our school, and all UCSD students for making happen.

• 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 have made throughout my time at UCSD have truly made my collegiate career incredible. If it were not for my gracious parents, my amazing siblings, relatives, and close family-friends in San Diego, my college experience would not have been half the memory it is today.

From college, there are a lot of individuals I am forever grateful for. These include the people who made sure I always felt at home at UCSD (Jenna Goosen, Amanda Tieu, Mandy Goya, and Tia Ikemoto), the people who made sure I never gave up (Ahad Ali, Lindsey Vasse, and Becky Wang), the people who kept me accountable (Casey Longstreet and Emily Regan), the people who kept me “fun” (Albert Haines, Asha Bacon, and Julia Rabbitt), and the person who never let me forget my own self-worth and potential (Joe DeBaca). I am forever grateful for spending the last four years of my life, the best four years yet, getting to know each of you, being inspired by each of your unique outlooks and never-ending support.

• 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?

Taking POLI 5D with Professor Roberts was a turning point in my college journey. I came into UCSD thinking I would study Political Science, and eventually go to law school. It was Professor Roberts’ class that introduced me to data, and ignited my passion for it. This past quarter, my last quarter here, I have been taking a Machine Learning course with Kirk Bansak. This is easily my favorite class of college, and I highly recommend anyone who is interested in data enrolls in it. I am extremely grateful these professors gave me such extraordinary instruction that will truly be applicable to my post-graduation profession.

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

In the long-term, I hope to enter an industry where I am able to constantly challenge myself, learn new things, and grow professionally. I am an individual who sees extreme value in a slow-and-steady process rather than a sprint to the finish line. Finding that perfect niche in a career that will serve me for years, and decades to come is my overall goal. Outside of my career-aspirations, I hope to volunteer as a mentor in any area I become expertised in, pick up random hobbies that I find I enjoy, and potentially even start the podcast I have been dreaming of doing for the past few years. The one thing I am certain I will be doing following graduation is spending more time with my nephew Thomas (and future niece)!

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Associated Students, Elections Manager

• Vice President of Foundation, Delta Gamma

• UCSD LAUNCH Program Participant, ABA-Approved Paralegal Certificate Candidate

• Attacker, Club Women's Lacrosse Team

• Student Aid, UCSD Early Childhood Education Center

• Student Aid, UCSD Office of Annual Giving and Pipeline Development