Students Find Inspiration, Success at UC Merced

Coming out of high school in San Jose, Josh Ren found himself with limited options for college. He wasn't sold on UC Merced at first, but eventually jumped at the opportunity to attend a University of California campus.

And now?

"I would definitely recommend it, especially to first-generation students," said Ren, 20, who is in his second year at UC Merced. "They offer great financial aid and have more resources compared to other schools."

Nearly three-quarters of the university's undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college. There are numerous programs to guide them, including:

• The Fiat Lux Scholars Program, a living-learning community dedicated to qualifying first-gen students.

• The Calvin E. Bright Success Center, which offers tutoring, mentorship programs and other academic assistance.

• The Center for Career and Professional Advancement, which provides career counseling and guidance to create a resume and find internships.

Valentina Padilla of Turlock knew immediately she found what she wanted at UC Merced, saying it was her top choice.

"I liked how peaceful it was here."

Padilla, a member of the inaugural cohort of the SJV Prime+ Medical Education Pathway, said campus resources such as tutoring and faculty office hours are vital to her success.She said that kind of help is particularly important to students in programs like hers, in which she takes intensive subjects like biology and chemistry at the same time.

A few students queried in a UC Merced economics class said the university wasn't where they initially planned to attend. But once they arrived, they found it's the best place for them.

"It was one of the only schools I got into," said Simao Gama, 19, a first-year student originally from Portugal who most recently lived in Malibu. She admitted to a little "goofing off" at the end of her high school career.

"But I'm really glad to be here," she said. "This is kind of a second chance."

Gama said one of her favorite aspects of UC Merced is the access students have to their instructors.

"If I need anything, I can talk to professors," she said. "Having that closeness with the teachers doesn't happen a lot."

Christian Boyd of Los Angeles learned about UC Merced from someone familiar with the campus - his advisor. Though some people in his circle pushed him to attend UCLA, which would be much closer to home, the political science major said he's happy with his choice.

"It's a great school," he said.

The only downside to UC Merced, he said, is the limited choices of places to eat on campus. "I would say if you're really looking for great food, maybe don't come here. But if you want somewhere peaceful where you can get a great education, then I'd recommend it."

Second-year student Jasmine Junior, 20, of Southern California, initially wanted to go to a California State University.

"My family pushed me to go to a UC," she said. "I was kind of hesitant at first."

Coming from a small town about an hour outside of Los Angeles, Junior said she was intimidated byt the prospect of relocating so far from home. She thought she might transfer after a year or two. But now she is thrilled that she ventured outside her comfort zone.

"The UC becomes your whole family," she said. "I met my best friend here, and we do everything together."

UC Merced offers a variety of on-campus and off-campus experiences. More than 200 student clubs and organizations provide more than 300 events each year, ranging from academic to cultural. And students are encouraged to start a new club if they don't find one that immediately appeals to them.

The campus' idyllic location inspired Eduardo Rolon, 18. The San Diego native came to the campus because "it was the only school I got accepted to." But once he arrived and started attending classes, he found it was the perfect fit, and it inspired a new hobby.

"I've been getting really into photography," he said. Located adjacent to Lake Yosemite and nestled in a rural area seven miles from Merced, the campus offers sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada and plenty of walking paths to get out into nature.

Rolon plans to head to Yosemite National Park, just 90 minutes away from campus, to take photographs. UC Merced has a strong partnership with Yosemite, including a research station in the park, as well as a leadership program that trains students to become rangers. The university and park also work together each April to present a Shakespearean play as part of Earth Day activities.

Rolon said he grew up around a rough crowd, but "my parents raised me the best way possible."

At UC Merced, he said, "I've pulled my life together."

Padilla said beyond finding a home for her college years, she has found where she wants to plant roots as she starts her career in medicine. She plans to become a pediatrician, working in the San Joaquin Valley.

"If UC Merced is going to give me this big opportunity, I want to give them help back," she said. "That's the least I can do."

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