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“Pacific was welcoming to me the moment I walked in.” 

Nancy Deniz ‘20 was the first in her family to go to college, but �鶹ֱ�� felt like home.

“Everyone was willing to help and guide me in the direction of success,” she said. “Professors here care about their students in all aspects. They build meaningful connection with you that make you feel appreciated and cared for.

“There’s nothing better than being at a school that you feel both supported in academically and cared for as a person.”

Deniz wanted to provide the same support to other students as a teacher.

“I want to be an example for my future students, for my family, and my community,” she said. “Being a first-generation college student has a lot of obstacles, but it’s possible! I want to be able to have others look at me and believe in themselves that they can do it.”

Deniz majored in education and learning at Pacific, where she was able to gain a residential college experience while earning her preliminary teaching license.

“Your hard work will pay off, trust me.”