Why did you choose to come to Iowa?

I chose Iowa because I felt that the first-generation program here was really promising, and that was really important to me. I wanted to have people around me who could help me and who understand the difficulties in coming to school as a first-generation student.

What was your most memorable experience or your best memory?

Serving as vice president of Undergraduate Student Government. I immersed myself into it this year, and it has been such a big part of my life. Being in student government has really taught me how much power students have and how much action really does help, even if it's just a little.

What’s the best way to describe what it’s like to be a Hawkeye, to be part of the Hawkeye community?

The Hawkeye community is uplifting. It takes you under its wing and launches you. Hawkeyes are always so willing, so helpful, and so caring. You always feel like you can go to them for help if you ever need it. You can follow your dreams, and you don’t have to do it alone.

What provided you with the greatest sense of belonging while at the University of Iowa?

The first-generation program has really solidified how much I’ve been able to succeed both in school and outside. It led me to grow a lot, but it also kept me grounded throughout my four years and made sure that I was doing the right thing. It also gave me great people to be around, like Angie Lamb and Ali Casella, who lead the program and have been wonderful mentors.

What did you get out of your Iowa experience that you don’t feel you would have gotten elsewhere?

The first-generation experience here. I was able to intern in D.C. for a summer. I had a full-time job before I graduated college. And I don’t think that would have happened if I didn't have the resources here that allowed me to be confident in myself.

What advice do you have for future Hawkeyes?

Be fearless and think outside the box. I feel like sometimes we put ourselves in this one thing and think we can only do this. But we grow the most out of the things that we don't expect.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

I would like to thank my mom and dad, Gabby and Miguel, for always supporting me through these past four years. I would like to thank Undergraduate Student Government for all their support and for believing in me and for allowing me to serve as student body vice president. And I would like to thank everyone around me who's helped me succeed in the way that I have. I'm really excited for this next chapter of my life.