UC, Santa Barbara has impacted me on so many levels that include leadership, social interaction, learning about cultures and people, and making me think critically about world problems or what I wanted to do in my future. UCSB truly opened my eyes to what I could do in life and it is the reason why I have gone to do many things in life upon graduation. Experiences include obtaining a great job upon graduation at UCSB to most recently earning a Master of Education from the University of Southern California, something I know I was able to do with all the skills and knowledge I obtain while at UCSB. Through the leadership opportunities that were available through the organizations I was a part of to being able to work the Office for Financial Aid and Scholarships as a Financial Aid Peer Advisor, I was able to gain many skills that continue to help me today professionally. If I could be give advise to any incoming or current students it would be to take advantage of all the resources and opportunities UCSB offers to build leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. I took advantage of some as you can see but there are many more that I could have take advantage of like study abroad or becoming more involved with campus activities. Nonetheless UCSB has molded me into the individual that I am today and I can say that I am a proud Gaucho for Life!!!

UCSB is Paradise. The life style is amazing being a university student with amazing opportunities to succeed in life; therefore, take advantage of all of those resources available. I recommend that you all prepare yourself emotionally, socially, physically, and academically for your struggles. I recommend that you all get an internship and/or a job related in your field of interest in order to have some work experience. Most importantly, STUDY ABROAD or doing a related study travel program!! Having study abroad has given me so many opportunities in life because I met interesting people and learned new languages; therefore, I recommend that you travel and if possible, learn a new language at the same time. 

I never knew that attending UCSB was going to be a life changing experience! Not only did I leave home to become a young independent Latina woman, but I also evolved as a human being.  My experiences with my family away from home-my sorority sisters, the campus life, living in Isla Vista, working on and off campus for various organizations shaped the woman I am today! My thinking about culture, different ethnicities, life, relationships, the world were transformed! But I can't deny it all happened because of a decision to attend this beautiful and friendly campus! Today, after graduating 6 years ago, I am happy that I made that choice and I wouldn't change it for the world.  

Words of wisdom-try different and new things, get out of your comfort zone, make mistakes, learn from them (never a mistake, only lessons learned), meet new people, work hard and play hard and lastly...enjoy this experience!

Best wishes,

Gaucho Alumn '08

Beautiful nature-like campus surrounded by beautiful buildings, people, Isla Vista, and the beach. I had the opportunity to be challenged to the extreme of breaking phobias and not limited to public speaking, setting up events, fundraising, protesting, socializing, etc. UCSB will challenge you to build the character you seek to be. UCSB offers you a great deal of opportunities to join various organizations, develop leadership position roles, and gain experience.

UCSB was truly a heavenly like experience. The life that sets on the streets of Isla Vista is truly a special and unique atmosphere. Along side of a very competitive UC, the campus attracts the most beautiful and social students from the across the world. Time management is an essence and the key ingredient to have the best time of your life yet acquire extensive tools insuring a successful future.

Sometimes, I close my eyes so that I might hear the waves crash alongside the hills of Isla Vista. Nothing like it, Go Gauchos!  

UCSB is a great place to develop as a student and as a person. With so many great organizations to join and such beautiful surroundings, this university is unparalleled in it's aesthetics and opportunities to develop yourself into a leader. Get involved, don't be scared to take on a lot of responsibility, and definitely don't forget to have fun. The time of your life awaits, make the best of it!

Little did I know that 4 years after seeing Storke tower for the first time, my world was going to be completely different. Being born in Guadalajara and growing up in a central valley farm, it would have been impossible for me to imagine what my experience was going to be like at UCSB. Soon I was taking courses with noble price winners, sitting in on lectures by motivating entrepreneurs, joining various campus organizations, doing undergrad research and even training with ROTC. I always knew that my time was limited at this wonderful institution and I learned to cherish every moment. Sure enough the time for me to walk with my beloved classmates and receive my degree arrived too soon. And even though I graduated during a difficult time for college grads, I felt ready for the real world. Soon the network I built at UCSB got me my first job and the leadership skills I developed at this institution helped me succeed. Now I get to call the Silicon Valley my home, and I get to use the tools that I learned at UCSB to take on whatever life throws at me.  

The last time I was there I did a Startup Weekend!  What an awesome time and town.  Architecture was amazing.  Can't wait to head back!

I graduated from UCSB in 2007.  I developed skills that would help me in my post-graduation jobs and in law school.  I learned the definition of professionalism and studied along incredibly smart students.  Retroactively, I realize now that my struggle was not unique, as there were others who looked like me but had struggled more than I did.  I understood my life at UCSB was unique so I took advantage in every way and, 7 years after graduation, I don't regret any of my decisions.  Upcoming Gauchos should strive to graduate with honors, but enjoy the parties, the beach and the beauty of UCSB.

3 years ago I left your beaches, 3 years ago I ate my last Free Birds, 3 years ago I became an official UCSB Gaucho as I walked and received my diploma for all to see. Life has changed I now live in one of the most competitive cities in the world and work alongside the brightest minds nation wide. Yes, my geography has changed and so have my responsibilities but the lessons and morals I developed alongside your diverse student body and close work with the prestigious faculty, will never change. 

Not a day goes by when I don't count my lucky stars for choosing you as my alma mater. Alongside your soothing ocean breeze, I learned that distractions would come and go but deadlines would never change. In you classrooms I learned that my views would always be challenged and therefore preparation was essential if I had any plans to speak with conviction. Your beaches taught me the appreciation of peace and beauty around me when hectic moments loom. Memories of ocean swims after classes awaken and vitalize me when I work long hours. Your memory resides within me outside of your borders and drives me everyday to excel.  

I have no doubt that this was one of the greatest investments in my lifetime and look forward to the many Gauchos I have yet to meet.