Denisse Perez is a second-year student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, pursuing her degree in communication studies and a minor in feminist studies. She is from Los Angeles, California and is the first person in her family to pursue higher education. Denisse has a passion for animals, the environment, traveling, and art. As an active Promise Scholar, Denisse is currently preparing to study abroad for the 2023-24 school year at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. While working an on campus job she is also navigating college as a first -generation, low-income student. This has allowed her to value her education and jump at every opportunity presented because that opens social and economic doors. Following her undergraduate years, she plans on moving to Mexico to begin her career in tourism and hospitality and own a hostel on the beach.
Project
Growing up, I always had a strong desire to travel, discover the world, and connect with different cultures. But I never imagined that, as a first-generation Latina from a low-income family, I would have the chance to travel beyond my hometown. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to learn about various means of traveling abroad and have been on a journey of exploring the world ever since. In November of 2022, my little brother was born. Unfortunately, due to being away at college and pursuing my dreams, I won’t have the chance to forge a meaningful relationship with him for some time. This project is the realization of sharing my travel experiences with him through postcards, sharing the experiences I’ve had abroad and how that has helped shape me into the person I am today. This way, he always has a piece of his big sister with him, regardless of where I am.
Link to year-long project here.
