Firstly, I want you to really put this into perspective, you are officially beginning your journey at a top 10 public university in the nation! The road to get here was probably extremely difficult, but you are all deserving of this new chapter in your life, whether or not you imagined yourself coming here.

I can tell you first hand, my story to get to UCI was not the normal “dream school” story. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I actually almost didn’t apply, until a teacher my senior year told me to do it just in case. UCI ended up being the school that offered me the most financial aid, so I committed, not fully certain what would lie ahead. 

Starting here, I didn’t have the traditional college experience: I didn’t dorm, I was a commuter, and I worked 20-hours a week. And fun fact: this is my first convocation too! I was hoping to make the most of the college experience through other opportunities that came my way. I joined clubs during my first AIF, talked to people on the first day of classes, and really got out of my comfort zone. As scary and corny as this sounds I encourage all of you to do the same. You are all here for a reason, whether you know it or not. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. 

If you take anything away from anything I tell you today, let it be this: if an opportunity arises and taking it scares you, do it anyway. You will never know what the opportunity would have done for you unless you try. I did this a lot during the last 4 years, and it’s paid off in ways that I would’ve never expected it to. Saying yes got me into rooms that I never thought I would sit in with Deans and Chancellors, going to office hours got my grade up in a class from a C to an A, studying abroad got me to explore places of the world I would have never imagined (heads up for studying abroad, your financial aid may cover it)! Joining clubs and organizations allowed me to make friends I have for life, and even got me the role I have now, as the first Latina ASUCI President. 

If you had told me 4 years ago that this would be the trajectory my life took during my time in undergrad, I would have laughed in your face. However, having the mentality to seize every moment, and take advantage of every opportunity that arises, is what got me to the point I am at today. So I encourage you all to do the same when you are able. Make the absolute most of your time here, and take advantage of every job offer you get, every club that interests you, talk to anyone who catches your attention, because who knows: this could be something that impacts your futures in ways you never thought.  

Another big piece of advice: if you think a room doesn’t have space for you, squeeze in and try to fit. I know first hand that this is daunting, that sometimes you might feel like you don’t belong

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Yours in Service,
2025-2026 ASUCI President Alondra Arevalo