Meet our First Gen Student Leaders | first gen

davidga@uci.edu
¡Hola todos! I'm a fourth-year double majoring in Political Science and Sociology hailing from the coastal area of Ventura County. On a personal level, I LOVE to talk about movies and shows -I've binged too many to count- so feel free to recommend anything I should watch! During my first-year, I realized that to succeed I would have to call UCI my home away from home, but as first-gen students we have a lot of obstacles telling us we don't belong. By being a part of this wonderful program, I hope that FGFQ can help you make UCI your home, too!

febravo@uci.edu
Hello, my pronouns are she/her/hers, and I am from the Riverside County area. Being a first generation Latina college student, I understand there are challenges in navigating spaces within higher education. Being at UCI I have learned the importance of maximizing opportunities and resources available on campus. I have conducted research, interned/volunteered within school departments, advocated within my community, etc., all experiences vital to my professional and personal growth. Being passionate about social justice issues, I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a Masters in Public Policy to better serve my community. Coming to UCI, I never thought that I would be thriving or considering graduate school as an option. Of course, I would never be able to break barriers without the support of family, friends, and staff/faculty. As a mentor within FGFQ, I want to provide a safe, inclusive space to empower other students to overcome self-doubt, institutional obstacles, and succeed to the best of their capabilities.

cassasc1@uci.edu
I am a 4th-year transfer and Business Economics major who plans to be involved in higher education career-wise. I am really involved on-campus, so plan to see me everywhere and please say hi to me! My high energy level results from my love of stickers, hugs, and sweets!

nfrancov@uci.edu
My name is Nayarith Franco-Vasquez and I am double majoring in Sociology and Criminology, Law and Society. I was born in Guatemala but was raised in Los Angeles, CA. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family, two dogs, and friends. As a first generation student, I was anxious and worried when I first came to UCI, but being part of the pilot year of this program helped me navigate college better and allowed me to have a support system I needed to succeed at UCI. I hope to help other first generation students through this program like this program helped me making UCI feel like my second home.

crystah4@uci.edu
My name is Crystal and I am a 4th year studying Business Economics and minoring in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UC Irvine. I am excited to be part of FGFQ because being a mentor allows me to empower other first generation students like myself by sharing valuable experiences, resources, and research. Due to the opportunities available at UCI, I was able to engage in my love for travel and food by studying abroad and even interning in Congress. I am enthusiastic about being able to potentially pass on these experiences to the next generation of bright college students.

gmerenci@uci.edu
Hi everyone! My name is Gershwin Merencillo, and I am a senior studying Public Health Policy and Political Science. I am extremely excited to be a part of the First Generation First Quarter team this year to meet new Anteaters and give back in the best way that I can! As a first-generation college student myself, my journey is inseparable from the mentors who have supported me to actualize my potential and succeed academically. Such guidance helped me navigate the university setting and instilled in me the confidence to achieve my goals throughout college. Because of this, I want to make sure I pay forward that same mentorship to support more first-generation students succeed and thrive at UC Irvine. From being an Orientation Staffer to serving as a Campus Representative, I am extremely excited to share my experiences as an Anteater and guide you all to become the best versions of yourselves!

antn10@uci.edu
As the first in my family to be accepted into college, I gained access to academic opportunities despite being low-income, ethnic minority, and the child of immigrant to non-English speaking parents. I am studying Political Science, in hopes of attending law school, working with marginalized, low-income individuals facing immigration lawsuits at the National Immigration Law Center, and potentially serving as a United Nations ambassador. Aside from my personal interests, I understand the privilege and honor our families associate with the opportunity of attending college. Along with this opportunity, challenges arise, but first-generation students should realize that there is multiple resources at UCI dedicated to your success. I strive to use my abilities and experiences as a leader, mentor, and friend to assist first-generation students in realizing their ambitions, desires, and future aspirations are obtainable and that their achievements will serve as proof that they are capable!