# @ucsandiego on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DY5YxNRyDas
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69361241-ucsandiego-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/7b3fd5e6e5.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-05-28T21:06:24.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UC San Diego / UCSD (@ucsandiego) — https://gondola.cc/ucsandiego

## Caption

“I come from a long line of public servants, and UC San Diego has always been part of my story. My parents met here as Revelle students, and my grandfather helped shape the early School of Medicine. Some of my earliest memories are walking this campus with my family.

I arrived in 2001 as an undergraduate at Eleanor Roosevelt College, driven by a desire to make a difference. After graduating, I worked as a classroom inclusion aide and fell in love with education. I returned to UC San Diego for my master’s and teaching credential, where mentors helped shape my equity-centered, anti-bias approach.

While teaching middle school, I came back again for my doctorate, balancing full-time teaching with evening classes and weekend research. That experience deepened my belief that student success is not just about academics, it is about connection, identity and belonging.

In my research, I worked with military-connected youth navigating constant change. What stood out was their resilience. They reframed challenges as strengths, showing me that when students feel seen and supported, they thrive. That insight continues to guide my work.

Today, I mentor future educators at UC San Diego. I remind them that teaching is rewarding but demanding, and no one succeeds alone. Strong networks and a sense of belonging are essential.

That belief led me to reflect on my own experience. As an undergraduate, I found community through Shabbat gatherings. When I returned as faculty, I realized I was missing that connection.

I founded the Jewish Staff and Faculty Tritons Association to create space for connection and support. It has been deeply meaningful to build a community where colleagues can bring their full identities to work and celebrate Jewish joy and resilience.

I am proud to continue my family’s legacy at UC San Diego. When we invest in each other and build community with intention, we create something that will support generations of Tritons to come.”

-Alison Black ’05, M.Ed. ’09, Ed.D. ‘16 (she/her/elle), Continuing Lecturer in UC San Diego’s Department of Education Studies #TritonStories

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## Tags

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