1. What were your first impressions of UCSD?
Estrada:
I felt privileged to know that this would be the university that would cultivate me as a student, into a member of society. As I walked through campus, I felt UCSD was perfect for me. I love the trees and the naturalistic tone of the campus. The weather is perfect and the breeze just right. My first impressions of UCSD were optimism with relaxed prestige.
2. Why did you choose to attend UCSD?
Estrada: Being an International Studies major, I felt that UCSD above all other universities would best accommodate my academic objectives, under the most suitable conditions. Literally only five minutes away from the beach, with beautiful weather and a metropolitan area, these were all major beneficiating attributes of UCSD. I’m from Long Beach and UCSD was the only university where I could keep my Southern California weather while studying at one of the best universities in the nation.
3. What does it mean to you and your family to be the first one to attend a four-year university?
Estrada: Attending this school means a lot to me and my family. I’m living the American dream; it’s why both my parents came to America. UCSD has given me so much already. Attending Summer Bridge was like a haven of societal knowledge that I’ve always wanted. To my parents, coming to UCSD is in a way a gift, the type that signifies how they achieved as parents. And it’s a gift we all can share. We’re all proud that I go to UCSD and I couldn’t thank my parents enough for paving the way and fostering this weird and ambitious kid.
4. What did you like most about the Summer Bridge program?
Estrada: The thing I liked most about Summer Bridge was both the knowledge and friendships that I got out of it. I learned so much about society and about students who, like me, faced adversity. It was definitely my choice to go to college; I decided when I was an ambitious child. The knowledge from Summer Bridge expounded on these adversities that I would face, making me the strong person I am today. It gave me an opportunity to realize the adversity, and for that, I thank Summer Bridge whole heartedly.
5. What advice would you give to an incoming freshman student about succeeding at UCSD?
Estrada: I’m only a freshman, so I wouldn’t know as much about succeeding at UCSD as more experienced students. But I can say this – look at, and be sure to jump on, those opportunities that will make you grow as a person. Ask yourself before every course that you take, what are you going to learn and how it will help you in the future, to remind yourself of the importance of knowledge and its effect on you as you develop into a person of society.
6. What are some "outside the classroom" life lessons you learned as a UCSD student?
Estrada: One lesson I learned outside the classroom here at UCSD is everything revolves around the choices I make, that I control every aspect of my life here on campus. All the opportunities are out there, all you have to do is pick them or you can choose not to pick them. Going to UCSD allows me to be my own person. I have the authority to be who I want so why not make the most of it? UCSD gives us the opportunity. I’m going to get everything I can out of it because time flies; I’m two-thirds done as a freshman and I’ve just arrived.
7. What has surprised you most about campus life?
Estrada: The people, I find, are most surprising to me than anything else. There are so many different personalities and talents; it’s surprising just to meet other students and learn of their uniqueness.
8. What are your favorite spots on campus?
Estrada:
My favorite spots on campus are Price Center and my suite balcony at ERC. I like the Price Center because during school, it’s just booming with action. There’s just a lot going on all at one time and there are always new faces; it leaves me with an incentive to go back. I like my suite balcony at ERC because I can see the sunset every day. It’s my retreat after school where I can sit and think to myself.
9. Have you chosen your major yet or do you know what field you’re interested in studying?
Estrada: I’m an International Studies student pursuing an Economics major. I want to go into business after graduating.
10. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Estrada: In 10 years, I see myself working for my own company in New York City.
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