Pauline H Thach

She/Her/Hers

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

Being a first-generation college graduate means self-advocacy, growth, and perseverance. With constant feelings of imposter syndrome running down my throat, graduating as a first-generation college student means that I was able to navigate through an environment that was unfamiliar to myself and my family yet I was able to come out strong and independent with the support from my loved ones. I couldn't turn to my parents to help me with connecting me to resources and opportunities in college but I could always count on my mom for her endless support. It also means all of my mom's sacrifices as a single mother paid off because she worked tirelessly to give me opportunities that weren't available to her when she was my age.

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

My proudest moment from my time at UC San Diego is the work that I've accomplished for UCSD Admissions. I worked as a digital media specialist, creating digital content for their needs and it's really cool to see my content be mass distributed and it felt like I was making a difference. I'm also proud of graduating because college definitely did not come easy for me.

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

You don't have to have everything figured out. Take advantage of your youth and explore different interests and hobbies. Don't stress if life doesn't go the way you planned it to, everything will work out in due time. Strength is knowing that sometimes we can't do everything ourselves and it's okay to ask for help. Also, nothing is worth more than your mental health, not even a diploma.

• 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?

I'd like to thank my friends and family members that were there for me through it all. I've made a new family and I will always cherish the memories I've created with everyone. Everyone has had some impact in my life and influenced me in many ways and I'm so glad that I'm a mosaic of everyone I've come across in college. Thank you for being my rock, I really would not be able to do any of this without the unconditional support. Thank you for sometimes knowing what's best for me even when I didn't know for myself and advocating for me. I appreciate all of you.

• 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?

To my hum professor freshman year, Professor Chodorow, I will always remember you because you saw me struggling at such a low point in my life and lent out a hand to help me get the help that I needed and for that I am so grateful because I didn't know that resources like that existed.

Sherry Mallory, the Dean of Student Affairs at Revelle, also helped me through such a low point in my life and helped me get the accommodations and help that I needed to thrive at UCSD. I will forever be thankful.

James Ingram, my supervisor when I worked in Creative Services, was one of the best mentors I could ask for. He was always willing to teach me new things and he made me excited to learn and produce new content.

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

I hope to become a UX designer working for a larger company and eventually maybe become a teacher who teaches design principles!

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Digital Media Specialist

• UCSD Admissions — Creative Services

• Member, Vietnamese Student Association

• Member, Design Co