Alina Ann Marie Gapelu-Martinez

She/Her

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

Being the first person in my family to have the opportunity to attend a university is not a position I take lightly. To honor my family and their hard work in shaping me, I must take advantage of the privileges I am/will be afforded by attending a university. Being a first generation college student has allowed me to really understand the value in education, and the window of opportunities having a degree can provide. I look forward to continuing on my journey breaking generational barriers.

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

My proudest moments at UCSD was all of the social justice education work I did as an intern at the Cross-Cultural Center.I felt like I made an impact not just at UCSD, but for the greater San Diego community. For example, winter quarter I did a research project presentation on how viewing drug use as a public health issue could lead to lower drug related harm, reduction in the incarceration population, and help lower the rate of drug use. I was able to speak with psychologists from the Addiction Recovery and Treatment offered at UC San Diego Health and study their program. I was able to spread more awareness about the work done in this program and educate others on drug abuse as a public health crisis. This work really influenced and inspired the career path I have chosen and all the social justice work I plan to do in the future.

• What advice do you have for current or future first-generation students?

The advice I would give future first-gen students is get involved. Really take the time to get involved in as many things that actually interest you because this will create a network for yourself that you will need all throughout college and even after college. I found out about a lot of opportunities from my colleagues. Luckily I still had a good amount of time with my student orgs and colleagues, but I wish I would have done it earlier to have more times making more change and building more friendships and memories because those are really what you are gonna take with you out of college.

As a first generation student you will face a greater challenge, you are the first in your family to be in college so you will experience imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is real, but never fear it. There will be a lot of moments where you feel uncomfortable and like you don’t belong. But you do! Everything you have worked for in your life has led you to this moment and nobody can take that away from you. When you are feeling out of place or like you can’t accomplish anything, there a few things to remember (1) you can accomplish anything as long as you put in the work, (2) remember what motivates you to be here, and (3) you are more qualified than you think so take that risk otherwise it will be just another missed opportunity.

• 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 parents, grandparents, and my entire family, college roommates and friends have been the most influential throughout my college journey! Thank you for all of your love and support during this journey! I especially want to thank my parents for their love and sacrifice. As I celebrate this achievement, the greatest reward is knowing how proud my family is. These degrees mean so much to me and it means all the struggles of the generations before me were all worth it. Their sacrifice led me to this point, and I promise to continue to make them and all of you proud in this next chapter that lies ahead of me!

• 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?

The Cross-Cultural Center has been the most influential throughout my college journey. The center’s staff and interns provided the resources and space for me to grow. When I found the CCC, it changed my college experience drastically. I found a space with like minded people, who I shared similar values and experiences with. I found mentors that were full of experience, support, and guidance that I developed meaningful relationships with. I will carry everything they have taught me with me throughout my next chapters. The CCC, staff and interns, will always have a special place in my heart. I would also like to thank all of my professors and mentors that helped me along the way with my research projects. Thank you to the CCC Alumni that I had the opportunity to get to know and for your inspirational words and advice.

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

I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology and Bachelor of Art in Sociology. For much of my college career I thought I wanted to pursue a career in medicine as a Pediatrician, however after much reflection of my experience I decided I want to attend Law School. My college experience forced me to take a step back and reflect on what my true aspirations were, and the career that would achieve self fulfillment. I want to pursue a law degree and navigate a career in criminal justice reform and healthcare advocacy. I think it is important that I study legal education to learn the ways in which it can be changed or applied differently in order for social change to occur.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Principle Member, Students Against Mass Incarceration

• Member, First Generation Student Alliance

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Cross Cultural Center