Brianna Barrientos

Name: Brianna Barrientos

College: Kresge

Department: Community Studies

What Award/ Scholarship did you receive? 2022-23 Dean's Undergraduate Award Division of Social Sciences

What year do you expect to graduate? Winter 2023

Where do you call home? I found home in the Filipino Cultural Heritage District in the South of Market, San Francisco, but I am originally from Santa Clarita, California.

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? I was drawn to the diversity and community-based support that UC Santa Cruz offers.

What is your field of focus? I focused on an ethnographic approach to dissect the cultural-political tension between Filipino advocacy and San Francisco’s Racial Politics.

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? I intend to continue my advocacy and support community-based organizations through policy, politics, and education.

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? Joining Anakbayan Santa Cruz was the most memorable experience. I met so many cool people while fighting for national democracy in the Philippines.

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz? I suggest participating in as many organizations as possible because it’s important to stay active and present in your community to come together and create change.

How will this scholarship impact your academic life /research? This scholarship will give me the confidence to apply to future job positions when navigating my professional career development.