Donna Yerat-Rodriguez

She/Her/Hers

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

Being a 1st generation graduate means making my community proud of my success and my achievements at UCSD. Being able to use the skills and knowledge I learned during college to uplift my community and make a difference

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

My proudest moment at UCSD was when I was admitted into the Triton Research Experiential Learning Scholars Program which allowed me to conduct independent research with a Faculty Mentor at UCSD. Also, being able to participate in Immigration Day 2020 with the Legislative Advocacy Program was an amazing experience that granted me the opportunity to advocate for undocumented student rights at the legislative level.

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

Finding your own definition of success is key while in college because oftentimes institutions will send messages of what it means to be successful. Therefore, it’s important to define it for ourselves and look for our own community while in college.

• 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?

I want to thank my Professors at UCSD but especially all the Professors in the Educational Studies Department who motivated me to pursue research opportunities and who believed that I could succeed at UCSD. I also want to thank my close friends who have supported me all the way through our four years at UCSD.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Legislative Advocacy Program, The Undocumented Student Services

• Intern LGBT Resource Center

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Academic Enrichment Programs - TRELS

• OASIS - 2Excel

• OASIS - Summer Bridge

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Raza Resource Centro

• LGBTQ Resource Center