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Triton Firsts Triton Firsts

Hear Our First-Gen Stories

Every first-generation student has a story of courage, resilience, and growth. Explore the journeys of our Tritons who are breaking barriers, redefining success, and inspiring future generations through their experiences.

Shanel Baxter

Kent Romo

Public Health & Chicanx/Latinx Studies · 4th Year · Warren

Cumpliendo los sueños de mis padres y valorando sus sacrificios ❤️🫂 Always holding my family close to me every step, blessing, and opportunity I receive in college

Mariah Stewart

Nadia Celaya Carrillo

Public Health · 4th Year · Marshall

With my lived experiences, I reaffirm myself in my roots and that I have a special gift of being a visionary. I hope that everyone around me reminds me that to go towards the future, we must honor the past and present

Mirna Baalbaki

Gracie Peralta

Business Psychology · 4th Year · Seventh

Being First Generation is something I take pride in. It’s proof that I can navigate challenges, learn independently, and turn new experiences into opportunities for growth.

Shanel Baxter

Nelly Zapata-Castillo

Political Science · 4th Year · Marshall

Being first-generation means breaking barriers and building legacies. It’s about honoring the sacrifices my family made and turning their hard work into opportunity. Every challenge I face reminds me why I started, to open doors that once seemed out of reach and to show that where you come from is your power, not your limit.

Mariah Stewart

Geovanni Serrato

Geosciences · 4th Year · Marshall

Being first-generation means not comparing yourself to others and just being grateful for the opportunity in the first place. It means moving forward even when the cave starts to crumble, flood or even if you're just plain lost and completely in the dark. Being first gen means moving forward and never looking back because you have a mom who worked herself to death so that you can get in the cave. So on days where even if sometimes you don't feel like you belong in there, you persist nevertheless because her sacrifices mean everything to you.

Mirna Baalbaki

Sammy Alvarado

Sociology · 4th Year · Seventh

Being a first-generation Latina college student means carrying the dreams and sacrifices of my family into everything I do. My parents worked hard to give me opportunities they never had, and their dedication constantly reminds me why I’m here. It represents resilience, perseverance, and hope — not just mine, but theirs too. Navigating higher education without a clear roadmap has been challenging, but it has taught me the importance of seeking support, asking questions, and building community. Being first-gen inspires me to make the most of every opportunity, not only for myself but for my family and those who will come after me.

Highlighting First-Gen Undergraduate Students

Triton Firsts is showcasing the everyday experiences of first-generation undergraduate students at UC San Diego through short video reels created by the students themselves. From highlighting their classes, campus life, personal insights, and unique experiences, these “Day in the Life” videos offer a real and relatable look at what it means to be a First-Gen student at UC San Diego.

Viviana Banales

Business Economics · Fourth Year · Muir College

Join Viviana as she shares a glimpse into her daily life as a first-generation student at UC San Diego, from classes to campus vibes, and everything in between.

First-Gen Advantages

Courageous: Look at you go! You’ve taken a bold leap, not just in applying to college, but choosing to attend. That alone takes courage. As a first-gen student, you're stepping into the unknown with the bravery to learn, grow, and do something new. This is just the beginning of an already courageous journey.

Resiliency: You’ve faced challenges head-on and kept going, even when the path wasn’t clear. Like Maya Angelou writes in Still I Rise, you rise above doubt, setbacks, and barriers with strength and grace. Your persistence and grit are proof that no matter what life throws your way, “like the dust, still you rise.”

Adaptability: As a first-generation student you learn to adapt to diverse situations and settings as you navigate higher education. You develop skills to adjust and thrive by managing schoolwork alongside real-life challenges.

Resourceful: Being first-gen teaches you to be resourceful, navigating systems not built for your success. This skill helps you survive and thrive throughout your college journey.

First-Gen Tips

Find your community: Having a community, such as friends or a club, will help you through college. Attend campus events and meet new people—you’re not alone in searching for connection.

Talk to your Professors: Introduce yourself and attend office hours to build relationships. Professors can provide guidance, research opportunities, and support beyond the classroom.

Ask for help: First-gen students don’t have to navigate everything alone. Staff, professors, and peers are here to help. Asking for help is a sign of strength, self-awareness, and resilience.

Embrace being first: Being first in your family can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Embrace your first-gen identity as a strength and recognize the unique perspective it gives you.

In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.