Dear Triton Families,

As we head into the final stretch of the academic year, your student may be balancing finals, summer planning and some big questions about what’s next. It’s a time of transition, and it can bring a mix of pride, pressure and possibility.

First-generation students often carry a lot with them: the demands of college life, the weight of expectations and the desire to make their families and communities proud. With that much on their shoulders, it can be helpful for them to remember that they’re not alone. UC San Diego is home to a vibrant community of first-generation students: nearly 40% of our first-year students and almost half of our transfer students are the first in their families to attend college. And we’re committed to helping our first-gen students thrive.

Our Student Success Coaching Program pairs students with trained staff coaches who support their academic goals, personal development and sense of belonging throughout their journey. And campus-wide initiatives like Triton Firsts connect students with peer mentors, faculty role models and dedicated coaching that supports both academic success and a strong sense of community.

And your support is just as essential. Whatever your student is facing — whether it’s a tough final, summer uncertainty or moments of self-doubt — knowing you’re in their corner, celebrating their growth, encouraging their next steps and reminding them they belong can make a powerful difference.

Sincerely,
Margot Clifford
Director, Parent and Family Programs

Community and belonging are essential to student success. This section highlights efforts across campus to celebrate and foster first-gen community and spotlights individuals from across our Triton community who share their first-gen experience. 

First-Gen Student Spotlight: Andrea Guillen

My counselor, Ms. Thrasher, made such an impact on my decision to pursue a college education since I was set on not going because I wanted to continue to pursue professional soccer in Mexico. But then everything managed to fall into place to where now I am playing Division I soccer at an amazing school like UC San Diego. 

How did your family and/or community support your field of study?
My family supported my decision to declare my major in International Business, mainly because they know it is something I am passionate about. Especially my dad, who is a chef and has worked with lots of different restaurants and has been around the business world. He has always told me stories about his experiences and given me advice on how the real world works. 

Tell us about a time when your family or community provided advice that supported your college experience.
I reached out to my parents for support in my first quarter at UC San Diego. I consider myself an independent person, so the fact that I even reached out to them was a growth moment. I called my mom during finals week. I remember catching the flu, so I was already not feeling good. I was taking a chemistry class and everything just started to feel like I could not do it anymore. I started to question myself if I could even handle being at such a challenging school. Even with soccer, it is such a mental battle and definitely a balance that one has to figure out. When she answered, I remember her telling me to come home so we could talk about it, so I went to see her. I remember crying, and she looked at me and told me in Spanish, "No te eligieron por nada, te eligieron porque eres una chingona, nada en la vida es facil Andrea, se que puedes," which translates to, "They did not choose you because of nothing, they chose you for a reason, nothing in life is easy, I know you can do this." As the youngest child, that was all I wanted to hear. I am now finishing my second year in college, and one thing that has stuck with me is that it takes a different type of mentality to compete at the highest level in a sport while also pursuing an education. I currently love my college experience so far; there are a few obstacles, but those are what makes everything so much enjoyable.

What else would you like to add about your college experience and your support networks?
It's been amazing thus far, I can't wait to continue learning and growing as a person on both the academic side, and athlete sides.

Each student’s academic journey is different. This section focuses on resources and support systems at UC San Diego that help your student take full advantage of their academic ability, discover opportunities to excel, gain transferable skills and achieve.

Teaching + Learning Commons Serving First-Generation Students

First-generation students can access academic and experiential learning support at The Commons, including study groups and tutoring sessions where students can master class content, improve their writing and build bridges between academic and co-curricular activities, such as on-campus student employment, academic internships and peer mentorship. These on- and off-campus experiential learning opportunities enable students to “learn by doing,” preparing them for success at UC San Diego and beyond.

Resources are offered in Spanish, too. Learn more here or contact the Commons directly at m7reyes@ucsd.edu, (858) 822-199.

Finding Academic Support on Campus

Meeting the cost of an undergraduate education is a significant investment. In this section, you'll find resources dedicated to ensuring that students and families have the support and information they need to navigate financial challenges and build pathways to the future.

CalFresh and Student Employment

CalFresh offers up to $292 per month in food assistance to student employees with work-study as part of their financial aid package. CalFresh is California's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that provides assistance via an EBT card, which works like a debit card and can be used at many grocery stores and campus markets. Students who qualify for work-study through the FAFSA are generally eligible, and the CalFresh Team at the Basic Needs Center offers support throughout the application and renewal process.

For more information, visit The Hub or contact the CalFresh Team at calfresh@ucsd.edu.

Connect with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office

As parents and family members, you are important members of our Triton community. We hope you'll get involved and take advantage of all this community has to offer!