Marian Stephany Murillo-Buster

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

Being a first generation student means understanding that many others before me struggled against a multitude of barriers in order to make access to higher education possible. This goes far greater than just myself. This includes my parents, who could not provide me with much knowledge about higher education, but who endured, and continue to endure, the hardships of manual labor so I did not have to worry about other things besides my academic education. It means, being able to pave a path for future first gen students.

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

My proudest moment at UC Diego was being able to achieve various quarters with Provost Honors. As a student parent, this seemed nearly impossible to achieve.

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

To current and future first gen students, keep going! I know it’s cliche to say, but do not give up! You have made it this far, even with all the negative talkers and people who have looked down at you. You are here now, embrace it and take advantage of every opportunity you come across. Appreciate those who have and are willing to support you because without them, it seems nearly impossible to make it. Ultimately, do this for you and only you because this is what you want and it’s a step towards becoming the person you are/ will be proud of.

• 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?

A sincere thank you to my village. You have cheered me on, taught me, supported me, and brought me joy. You have influenced me for good and helped me steer my life in this direction. I will carry you in my heart always.

A tremendous thank you to my husband for his unconditional support through this long journey. I appreciate you helping around the house and with our son when I needed it. Thank you for always being understanding. Thank you for not letting me give up when I felt less of a mom for having loads of work to do and not being able to make dinner, tuck our son into bed, or miss out on milestones.

To my mom and dad, thank you for always being my number one fans cheering me on! I appreciate your reminders of the importance of self-care, which has kept me sane. Thank you for always believing in me and supporting me in a multitude of ways! I finally did it! I hope you are proud!

• 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?

Thank you to my previous student Success Coach Jamie, who would frequently check up on me to see how I was doing through out my years at UCSD.

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

After graduating, I plan on taking a gap year to gain experience in the healthcare field. After that, I plan on obtaining a Masters Degree and ultimately work in healthcare administration at a hospital. I also plan on spending more time with and enjoy my family through this.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Gates Millennium Scholar (GMS)

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar (HSF)

• Volunteer, Jacobs Medical Center

• Public Health Undergraduate Student Assistant

• UC San Diego Provost Honors

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Student Success Coaching Program

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Raza Resource Centro

• Women's Center