Sara Solorzano

As a first-generation and non-traditional student, Sara has accomplished so much more than she thought possible, considering she made a mistake at age 18 which changed the trajectory of her life. “I was incarcerated. I had graduated from high school with straight A’s and went to live in the Imperial Valley with my grandfather. I had no adult mentors or guidance, and I had no clue how to navigate higher education. I was not in the greatest environment.” Before she knew it, Sara served nearly five months in county jail with women twice her age due to her mistake. Once released, she was placed on three years’ probation. “It caused me so much humiliation. I was turned down from many jobs and career training opportunities. I was ashamed to face my mother who had worked so hard to raise my brothers and me.” Despite the hopelessness, she began work as a waitress and is so grateful that one of her co-workers suggested community college. “I completed all the probation conditions and eventually was able to expunge my record. It has been a long road, and I am proud of myself for never giving up.”

In 2019, Sara received her Associate degree in Social Work and transferred to UC San Diego in fall 2020. She helped structure, propose and launch the Triton Underground Scholars (TUS) program designed for formerly incarcerated/system impacted individuals pursuing higher education, just like her. “I survived COVID and have faced barriers and challenges throughout my non-traditional path, but I am committed to learning, growing, and always helping others.”

The Eleanor Roosevelt College scholar has used her talents and adaptability to help her thrive in life. “I want to make a difference through empowerment, advocacy, unity, and policy. I am majoring in International Studies – Sociology, which is giving me such in-depth knowledge and ideas of ways in which I can disrupt the inequality that exists within our society.”