My name is Stacy A. Tletlepantzi Lara, I am currently a senior at the University of California, Merced, and I’m proud to say that I have finally done it! I have officially become the first of my family to graduate from university. And I would like to thank all my mentors and peers who have helped me accomplish this huge milestone in my life. However, I will never forget the valuable lessons I learned throughout my college career and the amazing opportunities presented along the way.Over the past three years,I got the opportunity to work for the Department of Services for Undocumented Students, helping students, like myself, during these uncertain political times and to develop a stronger sense of community within our campus. I could not have done it without our amazing faculty and student staff. Even at the lowest points of my academic journey, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who truly believed in me. I also became involved in research under Professor Pineda-Vargas and Dr. Ortiz in the Summer Opportunity for Advanced Research (SOAR) program through Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC). During my last year, I was accepted into the UCDC program, where I received the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. for one entire semester and conductresearch at another institution. I also got the opportunity to attend two scientific conferences, where I presented my research findings, networked with likeminded individuals and future faculty members, and be part ofthe amazing research conference in the endocrinology field. I am grateful for the obstacles I have had to overcome because they have allowed me to grow personally and mentally. And because of them, I am able to connect with amazing and wonderful people along the way, that will never be forgotten.
