Katherine Arenas
She/Her/Ella
She/Her/Ella
What does being a First-Generation College Graduate mean to you?
It's being proud of myself for both the accomplishes and the mistakes because everything is a learning experience. It's to keep going no matter how challenging it may get but to give myself credit for every step closer I take. Its a positive change that starts with me and will continue in my family.
What is your proudest moment from your time at UCSD?
My proudest moment was when I found out I was going to become a peer coach to first gen students like myself and support them throughout their first year of college. Working with the Student Success Coaching Program is one of my best experiences with being a student at UCSD.
What advice do you have for current or future first-generation students?
You may need extra support and that is okay, whether its with classes, basic needs, mental health, take advantage of the resources on campus that are there to help you! Reach out for help and ask questions because that is how you will learn and grow.
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?
Mom and Dad, thank you for everything, for all of your hard work and sacrifices. For always supporting me and giving me all the things I need to be successful in school and in life.
Grandparents, who left Mexico and came to the United States with the goal of having their kids and grandkids grow up in a country with better opportunities. Your sacrifices and hard work kept me going.
My niece and nephew, seeing you both grow has been the biggest blessing to me. I did my best in school with you both on my mind. I want to be able to guide you throughout your educational journey and support you.
To the rest of my family, thank you so much for all of your support, for always asking ""how is school going"" and for helping me through hard times.
To my chulas! you know who you are, thanks for always being there and becoming my family away from home. I love you all and am so proud of us! From all the late night studying to the adventures we had in San Diego. Y'all helped me become a better student and friend <3
To Christina, you helped so much and are always there. You have always looked out for me since high school. Thanks for showing me a day in the life of a UCSD student when I was deciding which college to commit to.
To my mentor Ms. Sandoval from high school. If it wasn't for you, I probably wouldn't have considered higher education. Thank you for giving me so many opportunities to learn about my future goals and encouraging me to start exploring colleges.
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?
Rachel, Lindsay, Juan Carlos, Stephanie, Allison, Moises, Tori, and the rest of the Student Success Coaching Program.
Thank you all for always helping me with being the best coach I can be and for always checking in to see how I am doing. It has been the best experience to learn from you all and be comfortable enough to share my own thoughts, experiences and life with you. Thanks for letting me vent to you and for giving me the support I needed to get me through hard times.
Gerardo Arellano from the Raza Resource Center
Thank you soooo much for always checking in on me whenever I would visit the Centro. Thank you for your advice and help whenever I needed it.
PJ and Tracy from sixth college
Thank you for welcoming me in to the orientation team and making me feel at home. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you both!"
What do you plan or hope to do after graduating?
I plan to continue learning more about myself and continue with my studies. I want to work with students from under resourced communities and help them with resources and opportunities to pursue higher education.
Campus Involvement
Peer Coach for the Student Success Coaching Program
Sixth College Orientation Leader
Research Assistant in Social Cognitive Development Lab
Raza Resource Center volunteer
Hermanas Unidas
Hermanos Unidos
Student Retention & Success Programs
Student Success Coaching Program
Cultural and Resource Centers
Raza Resource Centro
Women's Center