Karina Juarez is a third-year Sociology major with a minor in Political Science. She is from Merced and is a first-generation college student. Karina attributes all of her motivation to my parents, they are incredibly hard-working, kind, and supportive. Karina loves UC Merced as a whole and appreciates being able to study Sociology under some incredible professors, like Dr. Flores. Dr. Flores has been a mentor for over two years and has allowed Karina the opportunity to work and learn under him and be a part of the Community and Labor Center. Everything that Karina has learned from Dr. Flores, the Center, and UC Merced has fueled her passion for Sociology and has influenced her to pursue higher education to find solutions to navigate and bridge the inequalities and gaps that our society faces and try to make structures and institutions more equitable and accessible.
