Betty Birbo
School of Dentistry

"As a first gen, I am proud that I built my own roadmap instead of following one that was already laid out."

Tiffany Cao
School of Medicine

"I’m proud to be first gen because my family’s journey has shaped who I am, given me a sense of purpose, and inspires me to create opportunities and a smoother path for first gen students in medicine."

Daniel Chan
School of Medicine

"I am incredibly grateful for my family's sacrifices and the generous mentors who have enabled my success as a first-gen student; this identity has also helped me become a stronger advocate who is attuned to the challenges that others face."

Cristal Chavez
School of Dentistry

"Being first gen, I am proud of persevering through the challenges of higher education, navigating spaces that were unfamiliar, and turning what once felt impossible into a reality for myself while opening doors for those who come after me."

Caitlyn Dang
Biomedical Sciences

"As a first-generation student, I have learned to navigate complex systems, advocate for myself, and face uncertainty with resilience—qualities that reflect the perseverance and passion instilled in me by my immigrant parents."

Camila De Pierola Casalino
School of Medicine

"I'm proud to be first gen because it has taught me that success is collective, rooted in the strength of my family and community, and that with creativity, resourcefulness, and shared support, we can navigate and transform systems that often feel unfamiliar or inaccessible."

Mia Espinoza
School of Dentistry

"I'm proud of how I've learned to see challenges and adversity as opportunities to grow."

Megan Gallagher
Genetic Counseling

"I’m proud to be a first-generation student because it has taught me that there are no limits to what I can achieve and I'm able to recognize that same potential in everyone around me."

Richard Hong
School of Dentistry

"Building a path my family never had and creating one for the generations that come after me! "

Winston Li
School of Dentistry

"I am proud that being a first-generation student has enabled me to step into new challenges and open doors for my family and community through my journey."

Sebastian Munoz
School of Dentistry

"I’m proud of being first-generation because it means every milestone I reach isn’t just mine, it represents breaking barriers, creating new opportunities for my family, and building a path where there wasn’t one before."

Nancy Oros Tinoco
School of Nursing

"I am proud to be the first in my family to pursue a college education and build a career in healthcare."

Alexa Ortega
Physical Therapy

"I am proud to represent the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of my family, who supported my success in higher education. While serving the future first-generation community through mentorship and guidance."

Anthony Peraza
School of Medicine

"I am proud to be building off the shoulders from those before me and representing the Latinx voice in the medical space."

Vivian Pham
School of Pharmacy

"I’m proud to be first-gen because the foundation my family laid gave me the opportunity to pursue higher education and support others in our community."

Monneca Rim
School of Dentistry

"I am proud of overcoming challenges and adversity without a roadmap and creating opportunities that can change my family's future for generations."

Aileen Rodriguez
School of Medicine

"I'm proud to be first-gen because it has shaped my resilience and strengthened my commitment to overcoming challenges, turning them into opportunities for growth with the support of my family and mentors."

Dayana Shariff
School of Medicine

"I’m proud to be first-gen because I found my way into medicine without a map, guided by my roots and a deep commitment to the kind of healer I want to be, and because I now get to turn around and help others walk into these spaces with me."

Sydni Sheff
School of Medicine

"I’m proud to be first gen because my journey in medicine reflects the sacrifices and resilience of my family."

Semira Sherief
School of Medicine

"I’m proud to have used my experience as first-gen to advocate for others from similar backgrounds!"

Romane Vigouroux
Physical Therapy

"As a first gen, I am proud that I built my own roadmap instead of following one that was already laid out."