Simón Lincoln Pierce

Name: Simón Lincoln Pierce

College: John R. Lewis College

Department: Politics and Latin American & Latino Studies

What Award/ Scholarship did you receive? The Valerie Fuette Scholarship

What year do you expect to graduate? Spring Quarter 2024

Where do you call home? South Pasadena, California.

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? UC Santa Cruz stood out to me not only because of its well-established programs and departments in the social sciences but also the exciting culture and environment of the school and city. I really love how the school is located in a forest while being just minutes away from the beach. Along with the school, Santa Cruz has been a very warm and welcoming place where I have met so many new and exciting people while also evolving my mindset and style. I am so glad I ended up choosing to come here.

What is your field of focus? I am pursuing a major in Politics with a focus on political systems in the U.S. along with a minor in Latin American & Latino Studies. 

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? After I graduate from UC Santa Cruz, I hope to pursue a career in politics at the federal level of government. With a career in politics, I want to work towards implementing positive change and fighting for equality. 

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? One of my most cherished and memorable moments that stands out to me was when I found out that I was accepted into the UCDC program. When I started attending UC Santa Cruz in 2020, I had a lack of vision in regard to what I wanted to do and I felt lost. It wasn’t until I found my stride with my passion for politics and my interest to learn more about Latin American studies that I began to finally see where I can utilize my education for the greater good and I decided to apply for the UCDC program. Getting accepted into the program has shown me how far I have come in my academic career. I have learned that the sky's the limit and I can achieve so much more than I think I can. 

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz? My advice would be to come here with the knowledge that you will grow and learn so much beyond any expectations that you may have. Coming into college, especially here at UC Santa Cruz, is an excellent opportunity for people to take advantage of the resources and opportunities offered by the school. I have been able to learn and grow so much not only academically but in so many other aspects of my life while being enrolled as a student here.

Getting to interact with students, faculty, and staff who come from a variety of backgrounds has fostered an amazing space for me to challenge myself and evolve my own mindset for greater understanding and purpose. 

How will this scholarship impact your academic life /research? This scholarship will play a big role in helping me pay for much-needed necessities related to living in Santa Cruz along with assistance in school-related materials. Not having to be concerned about financial limitations is extremely beneficial for focusing on an education dedicated to understanding and bettering the lives of those around us. Thank you Ms. Fuette and everyone in the Politics and the LALS departments for your support and guidance.