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Kent Romo

Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Sciences; minoring in Chicanx/Latinx Studies · 4th Year · Warren

Kent Romo
  • Baldwin Park

Kent's Story

What does being first-gen mean to you today, and has your understanding of it changed over time? 

Being first-gen means honoring my parents' sacrifices every step of my journey in college, and never forgetting those who came before me & paved paths. I used to think it just meant being one of the first people in your family to go to college. Now it carries so much more meaning than just a title, but also the lived experiences we as cycle-breakers bring.

What is the most important lesson you've learned during your first-gen journey at UCSD? 

There will be hardship in one's first-gen journey through higher education; it is a bitter truth, but it didn't discourage me-- so it shouldn't do so to others! You learn how to navigate these constant feelings, which is why support systems are so important.

What advice would you give to incoming first-gen Tritons? 

Take advantage of any resources available and *made* for first-gen students. It is okay to ask for help and not know what to do. I wish I got comfortable with asking for help, because there are so many untapped resources I could've used if I allowed myself to receive guidance.

What skills or personal strengths have you developed through your first-gen experience, and how do you see them shaping your future? 

Resilience. The ability to bounce back after any setback and continue with enthusiasm. This skill has allowed me not to be discouraged in the tribulations of higher education as a first-gen. In the future, I know this will be useful in marking my own path for myself, and navigating adulthood/my career.

In what ways has your first-gen journey influenced your personal or professional direction? 

It's allowed me to experience my life outside of my hometown; although the first couple of months were difficult to navigate on my own, I was able to discover a lot about myself. I got to develop my routines, find out what nurtures my soul, and so much more I neglected about myself as a result of growing up as a first-gen. In terms of my professional direction, I was able to ask for support in professional development and advice/guidance in navigating spaces that were not exactly created for people like me in mind. It's granted me the knowledge further in my college journey to realize that I am capable of being in said spaces, and that I deserve a seat at these kinds of tables.

What impact or legacy do you hope to leave at UCSD, and what are your future aspirations? 

 I hope to leave an impact of community at UCSD, and what happens when you allow yourself to be immersed in fruitful connections. I hope to leave a legacy of not needing to abide by a title or label placed on you-- and that you can be so much more than your background or the status quo said you'd be. In the future, I strive to devote my career to supporting the youth, whether it be in attaining higher education or through health promotion/education.