Over a dozen students have participated on the Transitions Research Team since Spring 2017. Below are updates from some of our alums!
Tamar Ballard, Class of 2019
Urban Studies major
After graduating from Vassar in 2019 and working as an Administrative Fellow for the Dean of the College during the 2019/2020 academic year, I matriculated to Virginia Tech’s sociology department to start a master’s degree in Fall 2021. (Definitely influenced by some amazing folks in Vassar’s sociology department!) In spring 2022, I defended my master’s thesis proposal titled “Country Quares: (Dis)identification Discourse in Black Country Aesthetic.” Inspired by the methods and grounding point of Black music as a historical document from my undergraduate thesis at Vassar, I decided to reach further into the Black American musical cultural bag and focus my master’s thesis on how Black women and queer musicians use country music as a complication and reclamation of (Black) Americanness, looking specifically at music videos and how identity is asserted through the visuals and the music itself. After finishing my masters in Spring 2023, I’ll be moving on to the PhD program!
Kayla Gonzalez, Class of 2020
English major
After graduating from Vassar in the spring of 2020, my life took a very unexpected turn and I ended up working at my local Target. After a few months, I was promoted to manager and learned so much about myself, my community, my skills, and what I want out of a career. When I left Target, I returned to Vassar to start a career in higher education. I now work in the Career Development Office, where I get to counsel students daily and cheer them on as they figure out and pursue their goals. I’m still figuring out where exactly in the field of education I want to settle down, but for now, I love being back on campus and being a resource for students, especially my first-gen, low-income Transitions community. Outside of work, I’ve discovered how much I love weightlifting and yoga! Overall, I feel like I’m becoming a mini adult with hobbies and goals, and that’s both scary and very cool.
Alan Gutierrez, Class of 2018
Biochemistry & Russian Studies double major
In the years since I was a Vassar student, I joined the Sabeti Lab at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Cambridge, MA, where I researched human genetics. I matriculated to the Yale School of Medicine in the summer of 2021 and am now entering my second year. I am also currently volunteering at the HAVEN Free Clinic, where I work with low-income and immigrant populations. I hope to finish my medical training soon and continue to work with these communities for the rest of my professional life.
My time with the “First Generation 9” (the initial iteration of the Transitions Research Team) was the absolute highlight of my time at Vassar. From conducting interviews with fellow Transitions students, to helping design the Accessing the Ivory Tower course, and co-facilitating that course with Professor Rueda herself, I learned so many lessons I carry with me to this day. If you’re looking for a worthwhile experience, there’s no one better to have in your corner than Professor Rueda.
Peep this photo of me getting my white coat ^^^
Si se puede, y’all!
Eugene Lopez-Huerta, Class of 2020
Media Studies major
Since graduating from Vassar, I began working with Community Investment Corporation, a non-profit based in Tucson, Arizona. As a Case Manager for their Eviction Prevention Program, I helped tenants apply for rental assistance through CARES funding. The success of this initial program led to the approval of more funds through the American Rescue Plan Act, and I joined CIC as a Program Manager in 2021. It has been an honor to assist the greater Tucson community during the pandemic, and our efficiency placed us in the top 15 percent of all Emergency Rental Assistance programs in the country. As we sunset the Eviction Prevention program this fall, I will shift my focus to CIC’s division for Program Support and Improvement. And yes, I joined many of my classmates this past May to celebrate our graduation in person!
Lisset Magdaleno, Class of 2019
Sociology major
After graduating from Vassar, I started working for Joya Scholars, an education non-profit that offers free tutoring, mentoring, and college advising programs for low income, first generation students. I started as a Program Coordinator and was promoted to Advocacy Director. After a two year break from school and while continuing my full-time job, I began my Master’s/graduate program at USC for Social Work (concentration in Children, Youth, and Families) in Fall 2021. I will be graduating in December 2023 with the goal of getting my PPS Credential and working as a School Social Worker. I also volunteer at another education non-profit as part of their Parent Outreach team.
Mari Robles, Class of 2021
German Studies & International Studies double major
After graduation, I moved to Berlin to continue studying German on the Ann Cornelisen Fellowship. Language learning isn’t easy but I have made considerable progress and have made great friends here. I find myself speaking English, Spanish, and German seamlessly throughout my day. Besides attending language classes, I actually do some teaching. On the weekdays, I teach English on-line to children in rural Colombia with the organization Volunteers in Colombia. In November, I will depart for Barcelona to begin my Watson Fellowship year. There I will teach English at a Spanish/Catalan school, as well as take Catalan classes. My goal is to gain a greater understanding of children’s relationship with their heritage language and how parents interact with school systems around the world.
On the personal side, I have found a home here in Berlin. I’ve recently decided to apply to grad programs here and contemplate staying in Germany for a couple of more years. It’s not easy being away from home, but my family supports my decision and are so happy to see me thrive here. My mom says it gives her more of an excuse to visit Europe. 😀 My sister will give birth any day now and I am excited about becoming an aunt.
As for career goals, I want to obtain a masters in education research and get involved with the EdTech startup scene in Berlin. My long term goal is to successfully apply for the Learning, Design & Technology program at Stanford. If it wasn’t for the Transitions Research Team, I don’t think I would have developed this curiosity for research. Thank you again for this amazing opportunity. Programs like this make me really happy to have chosen Vassar!!
Maira Vargas, class of 2022
Sociology & Education double major
After graduating, I took a two-week trip to visit family back home in Colombia. I had a great time seeing family, eating everything, and reacquainting myself with el lugar que me vio nacer. I can’t wait to go back!
Not long after I got back to the states, I started my Fellowship at DonorsChoose, where I’ll be for the next year. The fellowship is divided into two rotations and for the first six months, I’ll be working as the Equity & Experience Fellow. So far, I’ve collaborated on projects concerning our diversity, equity, and inclusion work and creating our hybrid workplace. Stay tuned for what I’ll be doing in the next rotation! Besides work, post-grad life has included figuring out a work-life balance, finally actually trying to get my license, and lots of baking.
Vanessa Vazquez, Class of 2021
Environmental Studies major
After graduating, I did a research project in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. I had a great time and highly recommend Research Experiences for Undergrads (REU) for science interested folks. During the 2021/2022 academic year, I worked as an Admin Fellow for the Environmental Cooperative, Ecological Preserve, and Sustainability Office at Vassar. This picture is me exploring the Preserve in the middle of winter!
Kevin Vo, Class of 2021
History & Hispanic Studies double major
Since graduating from Vassar, I’ve been working as a paralegal at a law firm in Boston that focuses on employment- and family-based immigration matters. My experience at the firm has reinforced and solidified my decision to attend law school in the near future.
When I’m not busy advocating for my clients, I like to learn new cooking recipes, explore New England and beyond, and attend regular meetings with my local book club! Post-grad life is fun and busy!