Gender Pronouns: She/Her(s)|Ella

 

Sofi is a first-generation scholar and proud Chicana, originally from Anaheim, California. She received her Bachelor’s in History from Cal Poly Pomona and is the first in her family to pursue higher education. She is in the process of completing her Master’s in Education here at UCSB where her research interests focuses on the experiences of first-gen college students supporting their peers through peer mentorship. Sofi led the re-development of the Grad School Guidance Initiative for ONDAS and highlights authenticity, vulnerability, and accessibility as pillars of supporting first-generation students and raising graduate school awareness. She served as the Graduate Student Mentor from 2021-2021 but has transitioned into her role as the Programs Assistant for the center. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, watching the anime such as One Piece and HunterxHunter, and spending time with friends and family. 

 

As first-gen scholars, we are paving the way for those who look up to us such as our siblings, cousins, and our community. We are creating our own path that is different from our parents’ or guardians’ experiences so sometimes it might seem that they don’t fully understand what it means to be a student in higher education and that’s okay. Always remember there is someone who understands what you are going through, or will at least try to understand, and is willing to assist you in any obstacles you may come across.