Greetings! ¡Saludos! My name is Alexiss, and I proudly attend UCLA as a First-Generation Latina student. I am currently a fourth-year majoring in Sociology, with a double minor in Community Engagement and Social Change, as well as Chicanx Studies. I am from the intersection of the beautiful communities of Long Beach and Compton, California.

For much of my life, college wasn’t something I saw modeled around me–it felt distant, almost imagined. Yet deep down, I held onto the hope that higher education could be a pathway to a future that no one in my family had reached before. I applied to the UC’s, nervous but excited to see what opportunities might unfold. When I received my acceptance to UCLA, I was ecstatic, but I honestly did not realize how massive this accomplishment truly was. It wasn’t until I began learning more about UCLA that I realized just how remarkable this institution is, and that such a prestigious place saw me for who I was, valued me, and recognized me as a future changemaker.

Before confirming my intent to enroll, I knew I needed a deeper sense of the campus. I received a notice about Bruin Day, a day made especially for prospective students to experience what UCLA has to offer. I arrived with my Hispanic parents, excited and unfamiliar with navigating such a beautiful and expansive campus. We nervously approached UCLA ambassadors, but were met with such warmth and thoughtfulness that instantly made UCLA feel like home. Everyone kindly guided us, highlighted an abundance of resources, and clarified everything we initially found confusing. My parents and I were reassured that any questions, concerns, or lingering worries could and would be answered.

I was directed to resources that truly mattered–from the financial aid booth to First to Go, an organization dedicated to supporting first-generation students. We were invited to attend a Latinx Newly Admitted Student Tour, hosted in Spanish–the native language my parents and I share–something that I found incredibly special. My mom, dad, and I were actively discovering UCLA together–no language barriers, no division, just unity and a genuine welcome. Feeling so embraced and sharing that feeling with my parents made me feel acknowledged, valued, and reassured that, despite the unfamiliarity of higher education, I belonged here.

Throughout my time at UCLA, finding my footing was initially nerve-racking. It took courage to approach new spaces and talk to others. But I reminded myself: things only felt uncomfortable because they were new. I was wholeheartedly breaking barriers my family had only dreamed of surpassing. Over time, it became clear to me that being first-generation was never a weakness–it was a beautiful strength. In every club, organization, class, and event I joined, I was the first in my family to step into those spaces–the first to carve a path that would reshape the trajectory of generations to come.

To my fellow first-generation students: overcoming that daunting feeling and allowing yourself to immerse yourself in UCLA will be one of the most transformative experiences. For me, it was the beginning of truly finding myself. I thought I knew who I was, but UCLA challenged me to think beyond the boundaries I had grown up with. As I began immersing myself, allowing myself to lean into tangible, I fell in love with advocacy. A once lingering desire to pursue Pre-Law became a passion. Learning from innovative Professors and interacting with driven, like-minded individuals reaffirmed that my positionality was not a limitation; it was my foundation. It became one of the many reasons that affirmed I was an asset in uplifting others within the legal field.

I joined organizations that aligned with my values and gave me the space to create change. As a Bruin Ambassador, I have the privilege of demystifying the process of accessing higher education for high school students, many of whom carry the weight of being the first in their families. I have the honor of reminding them that, despite challenges, UCLA could be a place where they continue to thrive.

I became involved in the Undergraduate Student Association Council (USAC), serving as a staffer under General Representative #2 and now under the Internal Vice President. From once wondering what I would take part in at UCLA, to one day giving a speech advocating for individuals and families impacted by immigration raids. I obtained a legal internship through a Career Fair, sought out events, signed up to be a mentee, and even had the opportunity to attend a Pre-Law conference on campus. I leaned deeply into my minors–Community Engagement and Social Change and Chicanx Studies–which challenged how I viewed the world and helped me connect with nonprofit organizations whose mission reflected my own. These endeavors gave me the opportunity to give back in ways I had once only dreamed of.

UCLA is not just an institution where I am receiving an education–it is where I’ve challenged norms, questioned societal assumptions about marginalized communities, and emerged as an advocate for voices that have long been silenced. It has been a place that pushed me to reflect, to grow, and to recognize that I am capable of far more than I ever imagined.