Academic Resources with Erika

Transcript

Meet Erika, a senior at UC Merced from Santa Cruz, California. She’s majoring in public health with a minor in psychology. UC Merced upholds a commitment to education for students of all different backgrounds. As a first-generation student, Erika has thrived largely thanks to the amazing scholarships and financial aid programs available to all undergraduate students at UC Merced. Erika, you’re up.

– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. When I moved to the U.S., education was one of my top priorities. Growing up in an underserved healthcare region in El Salvador, I always knew I wanted to study medicine and be able to give back to the country that nurtured me. As a first-generation student at the University of California, Merced, I’ve had the honor to work alongside amazing peers, tutors, and academic advisors. The Fiat Lux Scholars Program is one of my biggest academic resources. They provide learning support, transitioning programs, and individualized scholar plans to empower UC Merced students to be successful in their academics and personal development. Fiat Lux provides first-year students with a living-learning community for income-eligible, first-generation undergraduate scholars and a financial aid package of $100,000 throughout the scholars’ four years at UC Merced. This program has been an extensive financial support and has directly invested in my future. Although the Fiat Lux Scholars Program is by invitation only, at UC Merced, there is resources for all undergraduate students. Professional staff such as advisors, counselors, and student staff that help guide scholars to academic success. We have a STEM Center with access to educational resources and guides to build lifelong skills needed for advancement and leadership in STEM careers. Our Calvin E. Bright Success Center provides learning support to students that aid in enhancing our knowledge of the university’s resources, academics, advocacy, and access. Our Writing Center offers one-on-one consultations and workshops for students from all majors, providing students with feedback throughout the writing process from pre-writing to final drafting. I never imagined I’d be a student ambassador to a pre-health study abroad program. UC Merced has allowed me to join clubs and organizations on campus that allowed me to have an amazing college experience. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.

– Fantastic, Erika! Your story reflects the incredible commitment to education and social mobility that UC Merced embodies. It’s no wonder they’re ranked number two in the nation for social mobility by “The Wall Street Journal.” There are so many opportunities and so much support available to all students right here at UC Merced. It’s amazing. Thanks again, Erika.