Ana Trejo Aguilar
University of San DiegoAna Trejo Aguilar, a second year student at the University of San Diego (USD), has demonstrated her commitment to social justice and academic excellence early on in her career. She is a member of the Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness, and Social Action’s Beyond Borders Team - a student led group that raises awareness on issues affecting immigrants on both sides of the San Diego/Tijuana Border. Ana uses her leadership role in Beyond Borders as a platform to speak up about her experience as a DACA recipient. This has opened the doors for others to speak up and to empathize with an issue that is increasingly polarized in the national discourse. As a Major in Behavioral Neuroscience and Minor in Visual Arts, Ana manages her time wisely in order to navigate the pressure of curricular and cocurricular commitments. She continuously uses her skills and passion for Visual Arts as a creative medium through which to engage peers. Ana is a person of tremendous character, commitment, and empathy. She embodies USD’s values of compassionate service and academic excellence while demonstrating exemplary civic engagement and leadership among the USD community.
Personal Statement
Growing up in South Florida and moving across the country to San Diego has given me the opportunity to gain a broader perspective on the different experiences of migrants and hardships they encounter while coming to the U.S.. I have learned that many of them encounter similar problems and boundaries that prevent them from pursuing a life in the U.S.. Many of them share the same values and beliefs but are often left to their own devices. Yet, they can be helped in similar ways. On campus, I am part of a student led service organization that organizes a conversation night and border immersion trips for students to learn and volunteer to help migrants on both sides of the San Diego/Tijuana border. I am also co-coordinator of a group that helps undocumented/DACAmented students and their families on campus be able to navigate the higher education system.