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Evelyn Lazaro-Ruiz – Class of 2021

Hello! My name is Evelyn (she/her/hers) and I am from Watsonville, California. I am a Sociology major who is trying to get either a double major or concentration in Education. I heard about Vassar the last few days before the admission application deadline when a college representative gave a presentation in my high school. (Never underestimate the power of those pretty brochures!) I applied because I wanted to see the actual seasons change, which I found out is great until you are trying to get to class and the rain or snow gets intense… and because many of my teachers and counselors strongly suggested I did.

Coming to Vassar was very nerve wracking because not only was I going away from home but I became aware that being a low income, first generation college student would make my experience different. I am very grateful to have attended Foundations, the pre-orientation program that Transitions organizes. This helped me familiarize myself with the campus but also get to know other people I could talk to and relate to. Joining this research team is a way to learn about and connect with other low income and/or first generation college students in order to bring more light to our experiences.

Fun Fact: I got to go to China this past summer and co-teach English classes for kids with a friend!

Hello y’all! My name is Mari and I’m from Wilmington, MA. I am double majoring in German and International Studies with concentrations in History and Political Science. I am a first generation, low-income student and this identity has really shaped my educational experience. I found empowerment and a home through the Transitions program at Vassar and am very proud of identifying as first gen, low income. In addition to being a member of the Transitions Research Team, I am part of the Senior Class Council, the Daisies, and the Latinx Student Union.

Hi! I’m Majella Sheehan and I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. I’m a Sociology Major with a soon-to-be declared Correlate in Education. I’m a first-generation college student and a daughter of immigrants, and Vassar’s support through the Transitions Program for students like myself was a deciding factor in my decision to come to Vassar. My classes in Sociology and Education and my involvement with the Transitions Program (including this research team!) have allowed me not only to see my own experiences reflected and validated, but also to develop a sense of pride in my first-gen identity that I strive to empower within my Transitions peers.

At Vassar, I am an intern with the Office of Student Growth and Engagement, a Student Leader for the Transitions Program, and an Analyst for the Vassar College Sustainable Investment Fund. In my free time, I enjoy meditating, taking care of my plants, and searching for new artists on Spotify. What my life will look like after Vassar is still to be determined, but for now, consulting, marketing, and student affairs are all possibilities that I’m considering.

Fun Fact: For three years I worked for the Bronx Zoo’s Education Department facilitating free, educational activities for guests about wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability.

 

Maira Vargas – Class of 2022

Hi everyone! My name is Maira Vargas (she/her). I was born in Barranquilla, Colombia (where Shakira’s from!), and moved to Brooklyn when I was 5. I heard about Vassar through a friend junior year and applied the following year through Questbridge. The college process was arduous and I wouldn’t be at Vassar today without the help of so many others.

At Vassar, I’m a Sociology and Education double major. I’m also a tour guide, part of Matriculate’s Leadership team, and secretary for Vassar’s Christian organization (VXF).

I’m super excited to see what this year holds and especially to be a part of the Transitions Research Team. I’m so proud of being a part of this community and find so much strength and encouragement from my Transitions peers.

Fun fact: This past summer I was hooked on TikTok but also had a lot of fun baking cakes and chocolate chip cookies!

Hi everyone! My name is Vanessa (she/her/hers) and I’m from Yonkers, NY. I’m an Environmental Studies major with concentrations in Chemistry and Sociology (and hopefully a Chemistry correlate). I am a first-gen, low-income, child of immigrants and I’m proud of my story and my family’s story. This year I’m excited to be a member of Latinx Student Union, the Council of ALANA Seniors, and a VELLOP tutor.

I first heard about Vassar from my college advisor in high school who forced me to apply! Now, I am thankful for her guidance and the guidance of many others who have helped me reach my senior year. I joined the Transitions Research Team because it wasn’t until I came to Vassar that I felt “different” for being first-gen and low-income. I want FGLI students to be heard, supported, our successes be celebrated, and for us to feel as though we belong here because we do.

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Leonard Versola – Class of 2023

Hello everyone! My name is Leonard (they/them/theirs) but most people call me Leo. I was born and raised in Quezon City, Manila, Philippines, and I moved to Las Vegas, Nevada when I was ten years old. Currently, I am a sophomore, and I am planning to declare a double major in Music and Education, with a correlate in Sociology. On campus, I participate a lot in performing art organizations (BAM A Capella, UJIMA), some identity organizations and programs (Southeast Asian Student’s Alliance, Transitions), and other miscellaneous groups (Vassar Students Association, QuestBridge).

 

As a low-income, first-generation, and immigrant student, college was a goal with no step-by-step instruction. It was only late in my high-school career that QuestBridge entered my radar and led me to Vassar. A busy and stressful college application season ultimately resulted in my admittance to Vassar, and so I moved myself halfway across the country.

 

My first semester at Vassar introduced me to Sociology. Learning the vocabulary and theories of why higher education was such a challenge for so many students like me helped me contextualize my position and validate my belonging in college. I am passionate about giving voice to the experiences of low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and immigrant students as we tell our unique stories of how we got here.

 

Fun Fact: I graduated from a performing arts high school with a focus on classical vocal performance, music composition, music production, costume design, and art history.