Jordan Parani Ingco

He/Him/His

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

It means everything to me really. To be the first in my family to achieve a certain feat, especially one that would make my parents proud of me, is something that will hold deep meaning for me forever. Also, to be able to set an example for my younger siblings to follow and look up to going forward for their futures is all I could ever ask for. If they are able to see what I have been able to do, and eventually do better than I have, then that is the best situation I could ever have hoped for.

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

My proudest moment here at UCSD was achieving school history by being a part of the KADOFF 2017 dance team who won first at the annual KADOFF competition.

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

Advice I would give current or future first-gen students would be to keep in mind two things. Remember that hard work will always work; and to take advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime in the lifetime of an opportunity. Sure you will be surrounded by people who are more skilled and talented than you, but that will always be outshined by the amount of hard work you put in to achieve any goal you have set in mind, leading you to potential opportunities that may end up changing your life in the best way possible.

• 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?

The people who have been most influential throughout my college journey are my family, friends, both old and new, the many communities I've been thankful to be a part of along my journey, and all the professors who have guided me in the right direction during my time here in college. To everyone, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me become the person I am today, get to the point where I am at now, and for always supporting me and having my back through all the ups and downs I've experienced. It truly all means a lot to 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 people at UCSD that have been most influential throughout my college journey are the many amazing professors and TA's I have had in my classes during college, as well as several graduate/PhD students/mentors I have had a pleasure learning from. To everyone, I want to say thank you for teaching me and leading me towards my passion in education and all of the skills I have culminated that I am able to carry on to future aspects in my life. I really do appreciate all of it!

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

I plan to pursue a Masters of Science in Marine Biology within the Ocean Biosciences Program here at UC San Diego after graduating. As for long-term, I hope to one day be able to conduct research out in the field within a lab of my own.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Member, KASA

• Member, KP

• Student Work Leader, Geisel Library

• Member, Ascension Dance Team