Denise Solorzano

Education

BA in Sociology from The University of California, Berkeley (2023)

Minor(s) in Education and Human Rights Interdisciplinary

MS in Leadership in Higher Education, Pepperdine University (In-Progress) (2024)

How did you get here?

I worked as a student assistant at Berkeley’s Graduate School of Education during my senior year of college. I realized I would love to continue expanding my knowledge of academic support and student services. I decided to pursue my master's after graduation. After a few months, I knew I was ready to work alongside students and assist them throughout their academic journey.  UC Berkeley holds a special place in my heart because as an undergraduate student, it challenged me both academically and personally, but made me realize my passion. I hope to help undergraduate students at Berkeley grow and discover their passions because they deserve the best in both their professional and personal lives!

I am a Sociology and Education lover. Two of the best classes I have taken are Sociology 101 and Education W144. Sociology 101 made me realize how much I love reading about different theories, and being able to conduct my own research with these theories. The sociology department here at Berkeley really cares about and values their students, and the curriculum they implement in their coursework. Every time I came out of class, I learned something new, and I loved using it later on my research project or even when having conversations with friends. Education W144 was my practicum course. Getting that hands-on experience working with younger students, and then getting letters from parents at the end of the year, where they explained how their child was now talking about going to college, really warmed my heart. It is always so motivating to know that you’re able to encourage younger students to believe in themselves and their future career goals. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and to advocate for yourself! I know during my time at Berkeley, sometimes it felt like I knew nothing or that I shouldn’t speak up for myself, but as I’ve gotten older, my favorite saying in life has become ‘’closed mouths don’t get fed’’. You should always feel secure enough to ask for help, explain your situation, and try to find solutions with the help of an individual or a team. You have an entire university here to support you and guide you in the direction that’s meant for you! It’s okay to experience good and tough situations; it is okay not to know what you’re doing, to start over again, or to find new passions!

Just know that it is never too late and you aren’t supposed to be going through your academic journey alone.