Saludos FLI students!

I’m Professor Rueda, one of the faculty members on campus who identifies as part of the FLI Family. I grew up in East L.A. and the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California.  I’ve gotten into lists lately, so here is a list of some of the things I’m fiercely proud of:

• Growing up in a Spanish-speaking, telenovela-watching, Mexican immigrant family.
• Pathbreaking: I’m the first in my family to go beyond a middle school education.
• Being a sibling-mother to three younger Rueda super siblings, all of whom are now also university educated. (Sí se pudo!)
• The hard work and sacrifices that my parents made as immigrants and the collective efforts in my family to get me where I am today.
• Now being able to serve as the safety net for my family.

Fun facts: I picked up boxing a few years ago (so cathartic!) and discovered I’m a boxing lefty even though I’m right-handed. I’m also an avid distance swimmer and I’m a little obsessed with mini-donkeys, Scottish Highland cattle, and red pandas. I’m bi-coastal (CA-NY) in non-pandemic years. I’m an extroverted sociologist who loves to do things in groups, including research!

Hello everyone, I’m Alejandro, a first-generation American and college student. I was born in Los Angeles, CA, and went to high school near Dallas, TX. I’m currently majoring in International Studies, and I joined the Transitions Research Team because their mission to support and amplify the voices of first-generation/low-income (FGLI) students resonates deeply with me. My goal is to use this opportunity to address unmet needs and break down hidden barriers for all FGLI students. I’m excited to collaborate with this amazing team!

Hi! I’m Fer, a senior Urban Studies major with a correlate in Geography. I’m from the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California, where I’ve lived in five different cities but currently call Rowland Heights home. I’m proud to be the first in my family of low-income, Guatemalan immigrants to attend college. However, I always think of the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child” when reflecting on my journey getting to this space. I recognize that my achievement is the product of the support and love my family, friends, and mentors have given me over the years. With their help, I matched as a QuestBridge scholar to attend Vassar. 

After moving across the country, I found community and comfort in the FLI Program. I was inspired to work with the research team to highlight and celebrate the stories of first generation and low income students. By placing their narratives at the forefront of our research, I believe that FG/LI students navigating elite institutions can be empowered. Besides that, I’m either working on new staff moves, or learning how to use new props with the Barefoot Fireflies (my current prop of choice is double staff).

Fun fact: In the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to live in five global cities: Barcelona,  Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Los Angeles, and New York. I hope to keep adding to this list!

Nghi Thai (they/she) – Class of 2025

Hello! I am Nghi, a senior Sociology Major with an Education Correlate. I am on track to receive an elementary teacher certification. I was born in Viet Nam, but spent my entire life battling snow storms in Syracuse, NY. When I am not in class I am working with Poughkeepsie area youth in their classrooms, at a Poughkeepsie Public Library, or at the Vassar Preserve.

As a proud FGLI student, I am ever so grateful for the Transitions community here at Vassar which has affirmed my sense of belonging in higher education and also introduced me to the wonderful Transitions Research team. I joined the Transitions Research Team to better contextualize the experiences of FG/LI students within higher education. I’m excited to be working alongside other FG/LI identifying students and Prof. Rueda! In my pursuit to become an educator, I hope to foster meaningful connections that will affirm students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds to be ambitious about their aspirations. 

Fun Fact: I pick up hobbies more than I continue them. However, I have been able to routinely practice sewing and tailoring my own clothes. My family has a number of seamstresses and I’ve been able to build a new connection with them through clothes-making.