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Adriana Elaine Scott, originally from Calexico, California, shares her powerful journey as a first-generation college student who carved her own path through higher education. From navigating the unwritten rules of academia without a roadmap to finding her purpose in supporting students who share similar struggles, Elaine opens up about resilience, identity, and the challenges of growing up in a conservative border town.

Elaine reflects on her early experiences at UC San Diego, where she stumbled through college without the guidance or cultural capital that many of her peers had, and how those hardships shaped her career. Now, as Student Engagement Coordinator in the School of Biological Sciences, she co-directs the BioSci Peer Mentor Program, creating inclusive spaces for STEM students to connect, thrive, and find their voices.

This episode dives deep into the importance of mentorship, storytelling, and representation in higher education. Elaine’s candid reflections—on self-advocacy, overcoming financial and cultural barriers, and becoming the mentor she once needed—offer inspiration for first-gen students and anyone working to create equity and belonging in academia.

Are you interested in sharing your story on the DASL Podcast? Nominate yourself or someone you know to be a guest by filling out our intake form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMipiFRpxpWj_IEDte8mBAKA9n7BCe2ylBLNNY_H6zTE5Ogg/viewform.
We’re excited to feature voices that inspire, empower, and contribute to our diverse community.