Naomi Guzman

She/Her

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

Being a first-generation college graduate means taking a step towards lifting my family from all the hard work they went through to allow me this opportunity to expand and embrace my education. I also wish that my family members had the same chance to further their education if they wanted to, but I am grateful for my college experience.

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

My proudest moment was seeing my study habits develop and seeing results in my grades while having a more balanced life at UCSD.

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

My advice is to keep in touch with teachers and counselors and reach out when you are confused about an application process or how college works, in general. Figuring out the college process can be very difficult especially without the help of a close relative who has been through it before and it's important to not overlook these resources. Also, try to make friends with other first-generation students, it's great to have a support system of someone going through a similar journey.

• 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 friends and family have been very supportive of me throughout my college journey. I am also so grateful for the support system I had from my community college when I was working on the process of transferring to UCSD.

• 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?

All of my professors have been wonderful at UCSD and I'm so grateful to have experienced their passion for psychology and helping their students learn. Thank you to Dr. Frederick for being so encouraging to the class and showing us how fun research can be. Dr. Willis, thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for interpersonal relationship research and creating a safe, comfortable environment for the class over Zoom.

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

After graduating, I hope to find a job in my field that offers tuition reimbursement for graduate programs so that I can further my education.