From its inception, UC Berkeley was envisioned as a place where Californians could elevate themselves. During the Gold Rush, as thousands poured into the state in search of their fortunes, the first legislature called for a public institution that “would contribute even more than gold to the glory and happiness of advancing generations.”
Today UC Berkeley is the top public university and an engine for social change, moving students up the economic ladder. People from a wider range of backgrounds are better represented and help shape the culture of the university. In the best cases, these students don’t just elevate themselves, but uplift their communities with them.
Siblings Pedro Rodriguez B.A. ’23, Olga Rodriguez B.A. ’24, and Angelica Rodriguez B.A. ’19, J.D. ’24 are living examples of this idea. They are the children of Mexican immigrant farmworkers in California’s Central Valley and all graduated from UC Berkeley and then entered service fields.
For the three siblings, the path to Berkeley was not easy. Pedro started working early in the grapevines near Delano to help his family make ends meet.
The classes he needed to prepare for college were not available at his school, so he had to advocate for access to them. Pedro brought this perseverance with him to Cal, where he found a culture that encouraged organizing and change.
The siblings report that their family history shaped their approach not just to their studies, but to life. Olga says, “My parents have always reminded me to honor where I come from, and their perseverance and dedication are at the heart of everything I do.” She adds, “Their sacrifices give me perspective and purpose. Knowing where I come from grounds me and reminds me that I carry their strength with me wherever I go.”
Once at the university, the siblings found ways to stay true to who they are. Pedro remembers being surrounded by students from diverse backgrounds, which encouraged him to embrace his own identity. “Accepting that I am different and don’t need to fit the stereotype for a UC Berkeley student relieved so much pressure off my shoulders,” he said.
Olga attended Berkeley during the transition from the pandemic lockdown to in-person instruction. She felt disconnected from campus and questioned whether she belonged. She joined NavCal, a program designed to help traditionally marginalized students thrive on campus through mentorship and coaching. She said NavCal helped her “find community and understand how to navigate Berkeley with more purpose and support.”
The siblings’ commitment to community has only grown since graduating. Angelica, now a staff attorney at California Rural Legal Assistance, says, “The hardworking families who feed this country are regularly underpaid, discriminated against, and denied access to basic necessities like healthcare and clean drinking water.” Pedro now works at UC Berkeley’s Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) Proctoring Office where he supports current students. Olga works as a Student Success Coach at June Jordan School for Equity, a school in San Francisco centered on community and social justice, where she works closely with Spanish-speaking students. She also volunteers as a Bilingual Communication Partner with English Together, where she helps adult learners practice English conversation. She said, “What I love most is connecting with students who remind me of myself. Many come from immigrant or first-generation backgrounds, and I know how important it is to have someone believe in you and support your growth.”
