Stories | First Generation Initiative

Ivory Tower -- Or Just a Big Mountain?

Trevor Waldien PhD Student, Geology

I grew up in a rural logging town in coastal Oregon. I come from four generations of loggers and log truck drivers. In high school I was exposed to geology by a teacher on a field trip to the beach that left me with a set of questions: "Why are there sea shells in rocks on the top of the mountain? Why are those rocks tilted on their side?"

Sometime during high school, I decided I was going to go to college to study geology.

Stories: Students

I Got My Dream Job as an Urban Planner

Irving Huerta '20 - Sustainable Environmental Design and Political Science - Public Service

By Irving Huerta with Hailey Chatterton '20

I graduated in the middle of a pandemic with two degrees in hand, and my dream job as an urban planner. I could not be more proud of how far I have come.... If I made it this far, I know that you can too!

Stories: Students

An Opportunity to Change My Reality

Jessica Bueno '20, Animal Science

By Jessica Bueno with Hailey Chatterton

I feel very blessed right now.

Maybe that’s an unusual statement for 2020, but looking at the bigger picture, I have a lot to be grateful for. Not only did I graduate from my dream college, but I have a new goal and a plan I’m proud of, and I’ve had some memorable experiences along the way.

Stories: Students

My Name is Wilbert: A Thank You Letter

Wilbert De Leon '20 B.A. Communication, B.A. Economics - Behavior and Strategy Emphasis

This stole is a symbol of my perseverance, grit, and determination to meet my goals — an artifact to display on my wall for years to look at and tell myself, "I did that."

My first-gen story does not start with me. It starts with my parents.

Stories: Students

Researching Workers' Rights in Vietnam: My Past and Future Come Together

Eric Thai '20 discovers his academic pathway and his family history converge in research.

“What is a Ph.D.?” My immigrant father asked.

He was understandably concerned about my plans to spend another 4-5 years pursuing another degree.

“A Ph.D. is a degree that prepares me to ask questions and contribute knowledge to the world.”

Seeing how stumped my dad was, I pulled out a pen and paper and started drawing concentric circles representing expanding bands of knowledge, with a Ph.D. as a mountain rising on the outer layer – and at its peak, an academic career.

Stories: Students

Six Tips to Get Through Remote Classes

UC Davis senior Orey Aderibigbe has a message for her fellow Aggies: "We got this. We're gonna do this!" We're all in this together. Here are Orey's Six Tips to Get Through Remote Classes.

1) Use a Planner or Agenda.

You can write down your test dates, your quiz dates, homework due dates, all in one little book! It's good to keep all of your due dates in written form so you can see them. Right when you get your syllabus, automatically write down due dates in your agenda book.

2) Print Your Syllabus.

Stories: Topics

From Farm Worker to PhD: My 10-Year Journey

Erika Estrada BS, Biological Science '16; PhD Student, Food Science

Ten years ago I arrived alone in the US with nothing but a dream. Now I am proud to call myself a scientist, a PhD student, and a mentor. My family, while loving and supportive, never imagined that I would become a scientist. To be honest, neither did I.

Stories: Students

From Nothing to Everything

Layla Al Asadi '20 Psychology and Human Development

By Layla Al Asadi with Hailey Chatterton

Stories: Students

Helping Undergraduate Students Achieve their Dreams - Jose Ballesteros

Jose Ballesteros is a first-generation college graduate from Stockton, CA. During his Graduate studies, he received support from his mentor to continue his Ph.D. As the Director of the McNairs Scholars, Jose now assists and mentor underrepresented students to pursue their Ph.D. degrees and achieve their own dreams.

Stories: Staff

Integrating Career Readiness into the Classroom

In an earlier blog post we discussed the role faculty have in supporting students' career readiness - a critical issue for FirstGen students. We shared some resources and ideas for integrating awareness of career-preparatory skills into the classroom. Here we share a video recap of what we discussed at the forum, along with links to the resources mentioned.

Stories: Topics