Nissa Milberger

Name: Nissa Milberger

College: College 10

Department: Feminist Studies

What Award/ Scholarship did you receive? I received the Sabrina Greenfield Memorial Scholarship.

What year do you expect to graduate? Spring 2022

Where do you call home? I went to high school in Orange County, California, but I’ve moved so many times in my life that I’ve learned that home is wherever my loved ones are.

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? When I first visited UC Santa Cruz in the Admitted Students tour, I was struck by the beauty of the campus and the welcoming atmosphere. College Ten’s theme of Social Justice and Community was also a deciding factor for me, as these are very important to me.

What is your field of focus? I am majoring in Feminist Studies, with a minor in Black Studies. I love learning about queer theory, and the intersection between Feminist Studies and Critical Race studies.

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? I am not sure of my exact career path when I graduate, but I know that I want to make a difference doing work around Social Justice.

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? A moment that stands out for me is the COLA for All strike in Winter 2020, where so many undergraduate students showed up for the rights of graduate students. I was astounded by the amount of people dedicated to this cause, and the collective support and care for each other. I think moments like this is what being a student at UCSC is all about.

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz? My piece of advice for incoming UCSC students would be to always be open to new people and experiences, and to take opportunities as they come. The student body here on campus is so unique, and it can be easy to stick with the people that you know, but reaching out and forming connections that you never thought you would is so worth it.

How will this scholarship impact your academic life /research? This scholarship will motivate me to be more involved in my academic life and seek out more opportunities for further growth and research.