# @ucsandiego on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C4gPga2Pjrk
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/75464659-ucsandiego-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/33ccf7519e.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-03-14T17:54:44.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UC San Diego / UCSD (@ucsandiego) — https://gondola.cc/ucsandiego

## Caption

“Growing up as a Persian-American woman facing financial and cultural barriers in a predominantly white area, my parents instilled a deep love for learning and activism in me. My journey from a lower-income household in Orange County to studying Public Health and Clinical Psychology at UC San Diego has been shaped by my parents’ immigrant experience and my own passion of advocating for marginalized communities. Navigating the healthcare system with my family inspired me to pursue Public Health, while witnessing the injustices in mental health care motivated me to explore the intersection of law and health policy.

I hoped to attend UC San Diego due to their top-ranked Public Health program and the commitment to EDI initiatives and programs on campus. Luckily, UCSD’s commitment to financial aid and support for students with low-income backgrounds made it possible for me to attend with the help of the Pell Grant, Cal Grant, and other external scholarships. I have sought to pay it forward during my undergraduate education while working at KSDT Radio, being a Resident Assistant for Muir Res Life, and interning at the Women’s Center. These experiences have helped build connections and create spaces for dialogue and expression. Interacting with other individuals who are passionate about music, art, and building community has been refreshing, fostering a sense of family and inclusion.

As I look towards the future, I aspire to attend law school and work as a litigator for civil rights or non-profit organizations, including the ACLU. I know that my journey thus far has prepared me to make a meaningful impact in the world, whether it’s fighting for healthcare access or advocating for social justice. With the unwavering support of my community and mentors, I’m ready to take on whatever challenges come my way.” 

-Maryam Izadshenas (she/they), Social Justice Peer Educator Programming Intern at the UC San Diego Women’s Center ucsdwc 

#TritonStories #UCSD #UCSanDiego #WomensHistoryMonth

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 2,421
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- **Comments:** 66

## Credits

No public credits are recorded here. This does not identify who made the post.

## Tags

tritonstories, ucsandiego, womenshistorymonth, ucsd

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