Panels
The Latinx Weekend Committee would like to thank all alumni and student panelists. Thank you for sharing your valuable insight and experiences.
Student Panel
Kimberly Carrillo Garcia
she/her/ella l 2nd year
I am a first-generation Latina as a second year. I am a Mexican-American and my parents are from Michoacan. As a student here at UCLA, I have genuinely experienced so much! I didn't really travel or go out mush as a kid because there was always this constant fear from my parents que "uno nunca sabe," which led to me feeling a little isolated. Coming to UCLA, I am near home but I get to experience new things on my own, which at first was scary, but now it's exciting. I love trying new things, new food, and new places! I love walking or driving to explore with my friends. I have a different type of freedom here. Academically, I have struggled a bit in feeling unprepared, not knowing what I want to do, or feel dumb, yet, there is always the reminder que "si se puede" and get help when you need it goes along way. Its okay to feel stressed and cry if needed, but always get back up!
I am a first-generation Latina as a second year. I am a Mexican-American and my parents are from Michoacan. As a student here at UCLA, I have genuinely experienced so much! I didn't really travel or go out mush as a kid because there was always this constant fear from my parents que "uno nunca sabe," which led to me feeling a little isolated. Coming to UCLA, I am near home but I get to experience new things on my own, which at first was scary, but now it's exciting. I love trying new things, new food, and new places! I love walking or driving to explore with my friends. I have a different type of freedom here. Academically, I have struggled a bit in feeling unprepared, not knowing what I want to do, or feel dumb, yet, there is always the reminder que "si se puede" and get help when you need it goes along way. Its okay to feel stressed and cry if needed, but always get back up!
Gabrielle Trujillo
I've always been a person who puts a little bit of passion into everything that I do. I knew I wanted to be an attorney since I was in my middle school debate club. I will be the first lawyer in my family, and I take great pride in that. Although I'm only a first year, I've tried to get involved as much as possible in my academics and Bruin community. My passion for history and public affairs has encouraged me to stay educated on issues that affect my community and take action toward equity.
she/her l 1st year
I've always been a person who puts a little bit of passion into everything that I do. I knew I wanted to be an attorney since I was in my middle school debate club. I will be the first lawyer in my family, and I take great pride in that. Although I'm only a first year, I've tried to get involved as much as possible in my academics and Bruin community. My passion for history and public affairs has encouraged me to stay educated on issues that affect my community and take action toward equity.
Jasmine Zendejas
she/her/hers l 4th year
As a first-generation Latina student, I spent my time at UCLA becoming involved in organizations that gave back to my community and people. This included the Latinx Admit Weekend and Flying Samaritans at UCLA, which allowed me to find friends of similar backgrounds while enhancing my interest in becoming a physician. Similarly, my majors allowed me to pursue my interest in healthcare, while also focusing on my Latinx community. My time at UCLA has been solely dedicated to majors and organizations that allow me to explore my interest while remaining tied to my roots, family, and community. This has allowed me to develop skills I am passionate about, without feeling lost or out of place in such a big campus.
Fernanda Aguilar
she/her l 3rd year
I'm a first-generation Mexican student, born in Mexico and raised in Sacramento. I'm also an only child. My time at UCLA has been what I would honestly call lifesaving. I came here hoping to get away from a toxic family environment and to break generational traumas that have affected many Hispanics communities, including my own. Over the years, I've grown so much as a person. I've become more confident and outgoing - something I never expected to say about myself. UCLA has given me so many opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally, and I'll always be grateful for that.