Sara Solorzano

As a first-generation and non-traditional student, Sara has accomplished so much more than she thought possible. Sara was raised in a single parent household with her two siblings. Often using public transportation for grocery shopping and doctor appointments when the family car would break down and taking the city bus to her high school graduation, Sara learned early on that determination was key to succeed in life. At a young age, Sara found herself struggling to serve as her grandfather's only help at his rural home, assisting her mother financially when possible, and managing full-time work. “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.” Despite the uncertainties, she began work as a waitress in the small town of Brawley, California and is so grateful that one of her co-workers suggested community college. Sara credits higher education for opening the doors to opportunities she never could have imagined. “It has been a long road, and I am proud of myself for never giving up.”

Sara went on to earn her Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification and was a proud First Responder for three years. In 2019, Sara maintained her full-time position working nights as an EMT and began taking classes during the day. 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 at UC San Diego, a program designed for formerly incarcerated/system-impacted individuals pursuing higher education. “I have faced barriers and challenges throughout my non-traditional path that are still difficult to talk about, but I am committed to learning, growing, and always helping others.” Sara understands from personal experiences the importance of resources that can be life-changing for individuals who only need an opportunity to help them embrace their potential.  

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 with an emphasis in 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 at times.”