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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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Ebony Redondo
Social Media & Marketing Intern
As the Social Media and Marketing Intern, one of my main responsibilities is bringing awareness to Triton Firsts and all the great resources they have to offer to first-gen students. Usually I am working on campaigns for our events, making flyers, newsletters, and running our social media platforms! Aside from social media and marketing, I also enjoy being at our events and connecting with other first-gen students.
What does it mean to be first-gen?
Being first-gen is about taking up spaces for yourself in unfamiliar settings with courage. The opportunity to take on a different path for yourself is equally scary as it is exciting, yet first-gen students do it and come out stronger because of it. This is why I am proud of my first-gen identity and see it as a sign of bravery that should be celebrated and encouraged in higher education. As a first-gen I hope to inspire other first-gen students to get outside of their comfort zone and take up space unapologetically, because first-gens belong everywhere!
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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
