Olivia Uribe Garcia 

Name: Olivia Uribe Garcia 

College: Oakes College

Department: Education Department

What Award/ Scholarship did you receive? Delta Kappa Gamma Education Award

What year do you expect to graduate? I will graduate in July of 2023

Where do you call home? I am originally from East Los Angeles, but have been living in Santa Cruz for the past five years.

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? I was really struck by the beauty of UC Santa Cruz’s campus. As someone who grew up in the city, but had a love for camping and the outdoors, I couldn’t believe that I could experience Redwood Trees and a plethora of animals every single day on my walks throughout campus.

What is your field of focus? I am currently in the Master’s and Credentialing Program at the University.

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? I hope to travel abroad and teach a diverse array of students, while also working on my abilities to communicate in spanish. 

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? Working as a student teacher in my program was incredibly impactful and life changing. Being able to connect with students and foster a mentor relationship, while also providing them with the tools to communicate their thoughts about the world around them was truly profound.

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz? Take advantage of every single unique opportunity that Santa Cruz offers whether that be the hiking routes on campus or the foraging clubs or pottery co-op. Join the  vast array of communities on and off campus like Subrosa or the Long Marine Lab Stranding Network. There is so much to do here, so many ways to connect with  individuals who share both the same and different interests and ideas as you, immerse yourself in these opportunities! 

How will this scholarship impact your academic life /research? This scholarship will also allow me to complete my remaining requirements in order to receive my preliminary teaching credential, as well as offer me the space and time to fully immerse myself in fundamental requirements such as the Becoming an Educator essay which speaks to my philosophy and reasoning for becoming a teacher.