Tania Vazquez learned a lot at UC San Diego—about
engineering, and about her approach to life. A first generation college
student, Vazquez spent most weekends her freshman year driving back home to
Riverside because she missed her family and didn’t feel at home on campus. At
one point, she considered transferring to a school closer to home.
Encouragement from her fellow IDEA Scholars and program
director Gennie Miranda to stick it out one more year helped her find her
place, and learn the importance of channeling fear.
“I realized that a lot of other people had the same fear I
had too,” Vazquez said. “I learned that you have to do things even if you don’t
quite feel ready for it.”
She pushed herself to get involved with the Humanas Unidas
group on campus, even serving as social chair.
“That was the whole point of pushing my boundaries, because
I’m not a very social person, but I decided OK I’m going to go for the position
that makes me the most uncomfortable.”
She ended up learning a lot and actually enjoying it. She
got involved in outreach activities, and dove head first into classes and
projects. By her second year, she felt more comfortable on campus, and was
sticking around for more weekends.
She said the IDEA Scholars program helped her find her
footing and community on campus.
“It helps you make friendships I think, which makes the
process a lot easier. If it weren’t for the IDEA program I don’t know if I
would have stayed.”
She encourages students who find themselves where she as
just a few years ago to remember that they are qualified to be here and belong
here.
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