Diana Carranza Viveros

Name:  Diana Carranza Viveros

College:  Cowell College

Department:  Sociology

What Award/ Scholarship did you receive?  The Fanny Carruthers Award in Sociology

What year do you expect to graduate?  Expected graduation is in 2022 Spring Quarter

Where do you call home?  I was born in Michoacan MX, in Zacapu but we came to the U.S when I was young where I was raised in Gilroy, CA where I currently reside!

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out?  I applied to the school because I fell in love with the campus when I was touring colleges to transfer to once I completed my associates. I visited about 8 colleges and this was the only place where the students were inviting shouting, “Come here, you’ll love it!” and the faculty was welcoming and answering everyone's questions and concerns. This became a top choice for me because of how welcoming and friendly the students and faculty were with me and the beauty of the campus is unmatched with the beach nearby and trees everywhere.

What is your field of focus?  I am a Sociology major with a concentration in GISES (Global Information and Social Enterprise Studies) and pursuing a minor in Legal Studies

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz?  I have many possibilities for my future, but no concrete plan. I am interested in a PhD program in Sociology, but before I do that, I want to try working with different organizations for social good and try out different jobs that correspond with my degree to get a feel for it.

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here?  It's hard to just pick one but my overall experience with the Everett Program has been a rewarding and memorable experience so far. I stumbled upon the program as an incoming transfer student who was lost and confused- applying to the introductory 30A course on a whim. With starting my UCSC experience online, it was hard to build connections with the students and faculty, but the people in this program work really hard to engage with the students and support one another. It didn't matter so much that it was online because the program helped me gain confidence and build relationships in an online environment where it would be otherwise isolated. Moments where the students and teachers can come together with ideas and share laughs are ones that make this experience memorable and made me glad I joined.

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz?  Seek every opportunity you can and make the best out of the situation at hand. This school is unique for having so many paths for success and opportunities to grow, so take advantage of every resource that they give you. Do not be afraid to apply for something, to try out for something, or try something new because you never know where it can take you.

How will this scholarship impact your academic life /research?  This scholarship built up my confidence to succeed and will greatly help me financially; Receiving Financial Aid has always been an uphill battle and having this eases the anxiety of working excessively to pay for any bills. Plus, as a first generation student, my parents are over the moon to see my efforts pay off and I am equally proud to represent them because they helped me be the person I am today.