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Alison Herr, M.A.
Assistant Director of SSP
Alison (she/her) directly supports first-generation programs in SSP: Triton Firsts and the Student Success Coaching Program (SSCP). She began at UC San Diego in 2015 as the Chancellor's' Associates Scholars Program (CASP) Graduate Assistant and got to help co-create SSCP in 2016 with a group of amazing first-gen colleagues and leaders.
What does it mean to support first-generation college students?
I get excited to see how first-generation students bring their unique lens to how they see the world and what it can be! It means learning new perspectives that can change the world in new and better ways.
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Rosa Tejeda, M.A.
Triton Firsts Program Coordinator
Rosa (she/her/ella) is responsible for the planning and programming of all things Triton Firsts. Rosa works alongside her wonderful team to come up with campus-wide events that are rooted in the First-Gen experience. Rosa is always open to collaborating with other campus departments that also serve First-Generation students--including graduate students.What does it mean to support first-generation college students?
Supporting first-gen students means being able to support pioneers of families and encouraging them to continue persisting by using their skills to succeed. Being able to support first-generation students also allows me to heal a part of my undergraduate self because I am able to be the professional I know I would have needed through my journey. -
Daniela Hernandez
Graduate Assistant
Daniela (she/her) is a Graduate Assistant with the Tritons Firsts Initiative. In her position, she collaborates and assists the Program Coordinator and student interns in order to program events that center the first-generation identity and build community. She also serves as the Community Mentor for the First-Generation Student Alliance (FGSA) organization.
What does it mean to be first-gen?
Being first-generation means many things, but most importantly, it’s a blessing. To me, being first-generation is an opportunity for endless discovery and a foundation for resilience. Without the example of my parents attending college, I entered this journey with an open mind, embracing a range of experiences to uncover my true passions. Along the way, I’ve developed life skills that will serve me for years to come. Ultimately, being first-generation is a blessing, rich in discovery and resilience.
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Lillian Vazquez
Programming Intern
Lillian (she/her) supports the team with the creation and the planning of the events Triton Firsts hosts. Lillians main role is to support with planning for events, keep track of important information, and support with the logistical, behind-the-scenes work for our program. Additionally, Lillian is in charge of sending out Triton First’s bi-weekly newsletter, First to Know, where highlighting events that Triton Firsts hosts as well as other on campus events and resources for first-generation students.
What does it mean to be first-gen?
Being a first-gen student is a multiplicitous experience. It is filled with confusion and worries as no one really explains how we could best manage being in higher education. Despite that, though, being first-gen is also about being resilient and resourceful as we learn to navigate these unfamiliar spaces. It is about connecting and relying on our communities as we support one another in our journeys. As much as there is stress and frustration, there is also joy and desires for beautiful futures.
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Amrita Gill
Social Media & Marketing Intern
Amrita (she/her) is responsible for expanding Triton Firsts' visibility and community through a social media presence. Amrita develops and implements strategic social media campaigns and create different types of content including flyers, reels, and stories to connect with the audience. Amrita is also in charge of analysing the data of the social media platform in order to understand the best direction to take when building on Triton Firsts' presence.
What does it mean to be first-gen?
Being first-gen means having to face new challenges and figuring things out on our own, but it also means learning, growing, and making our families proud. We have the chance to turn their sacrifices into something bigger and create opportunities that may have not existed before.
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Van Nguyen
UX Intern
Van (any pronouns) is the designer for the program website, responsible for its overall design, maintenance, and content management updates. She works to enhance the user experience and ensure seamless navigation, keeping the Triton First website up to date with events, workshops, and valuable resources for first-generation students at UC San Diego. Van's job is to create an accessible and engaging digital space for the Triton Firsts community
What does it mean to be first-gen?
Being a first-gen means many things: resilience, adaptability, and responsibility, but above all, it is a privilege! It’s the opportunity to embrace grit, to push forward despite uncertainty, and to carve a path where none existed before. It’s a symbol of strength, a reminder to keep learning, growing, and striving for more. It also means navigating unfamiliar spaces, being resourceful, and turning challenges into stepping stones. Despite the struggles, it is rewarding to be the first to explore new horizons and build a future shaped by your own courage and dreams