Stories

Wilbert De Leon

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.

Eric Thai at the UC Davis brick gate

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

  • by Sharon C Knox
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.”

orey Aderibigbe Sharing tips for working from home

Six Tips to Get Through Remote Classes

  • by Sharon C Knox

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.

Erika Estrada offering walnuts outside the Mondavi Institute

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.

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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. 

Chris Smith with clipboard

Academic Integration of Career Readiness

Students need to be able to connect what they've learned in the classroom to their future careers. Calling out things you're already doing in the classroom -- such as communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving -- and relating them to career readiness can help.
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First-Gen Stole Contest: Jenny Zavala

The two hands represent my parents, and the rag being twisted holds everything that represents my parents such as their hardships, sacrifices, and dreams. By twisting the rag, both hands “shower” me with love, support and most important of all, an opportunity. At the bottom is a representation of me in my graduation gown holding my diploma while I receive my parents loving gifts which all contribute to my growth of who I am today.
First-generation student, Chelsea Blankenship, smiling in a gold UC Davis stole.

First-Gen Stole Contest: Chelsea Blankenship

Being a first-gen student comes with its challenges, but for Chelsea Blankenship, the journey had bittersweet movements, where she learned to find beauty in darkness. Through her poem, simple talk, Chelsea hopes to help other students understand that they are capable to overcome trauma and that they are beautiful being.
First-generation student, Roseanne Gorelik, standing proudly with her first-gen stole.

First-Gen Stole Contest: Roseanne Gorelik

As the daughter of two immigrants, Roseanne Gorelik and her family was ecstatic for her to have the opportunity to attend UC Davis, and to now see her graduate, it is a dream come true for the family. Through her written poem: Us: In Poems, Roseanne describes her powerful relationship with her family and how her journey through college, was not just for her, but for her family as well.
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