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Use","https://www.ucla.edu/terms-of-use",{"entry":212},{"postDate":213,"id":214,"slug":215,"uri":216,"sectionHandle":217,"title":218,"text":219,"externalResourceUrl":50,"dateCreated":220,"heroImage":221,"category":234,"contributors":239,"locations":243,"associatedStaffMember":244,"blocks":245,"articleCategory":234},"2026-11-02T10:00:00-08:00","11300166","first-generation-voices-at-ucla-library","about/news/first-generation-voices-at-ucla-library","article","First-generation voices at UCLA Library","\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Meet Library staff who share their college experiences, advice, and resources to support first-generation Bruins\u003C/p>","2026-10-23T14:40:14-07:00",[222],{"id":223,"image":224},"11332276",[225],{"id":226,"src":227,"height":228,"width":229,"srcset":230,"alt":231,"focalPoint":232},"11340762","https://static.library.ucla.edu/craftassetsprod/images/_fullscreen/COM_2026-First-Gen-Library-Staff-3.png",1341,2560,"https://static.library.ucla.edu/craftassetsprod/images/_375xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/COM_2026-First-Gen-Library-Staff-3.png 375w, https://static.library.ucla.edu/craftassetsprod/images/_960xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/COM_2026-First-Gen-Library-Staff-3.png 960w, https://static.library.ucla.edu/craftassetsprod/images/_1280xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/COM_2026-First-Gen-Library-Staff-3.png 1280w, https://static.library.ucla.edu/craftassetsprod/images/_1920xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/COM_2026-First-Gen-Library-Staff-3.png 1920w, https://static.library.ucla.edu/craftassetsprod/images/_2560xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/COM_2026-First-Gen-Library-Staff-3.png 2560w","UCLA Library First Gen Staff: Megan Rosenbloom, Gissel Rios, Michelle Li, Socrates Silva, Solomon Blaylock, Michael Roesler",[233,233],0.5,[235],{"id":236,"title":237,"uri":238},"34269","People","article-categories/people",[240],{"byline":241,"title":242},"Written by","Library Staff",[],[],[246,250,254,258,262,266,270,274,278,282,286],{"id":247,"typeHandle":248,"richText":249,"sectionTitle":50},"11300167","richText","\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\"> In recognition of National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8, UCLA Library is highlighting staff members who were the first in their families to attend college.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Through personal reflections and resource recommendations, they share how asking for help, finding community, and accessing Library services can make the first-generation college experience a little easier to navigate. \u003C/p>",{"id":251,"typeHandle":248,"richText":252,"sectionTitle":253},"11301284","\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cstrong>Teaching and Learning Librarian for Humanities and Social Sciences\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"image--half\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/about/staff/michelle-li/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://static.library.ucla.edu/craftassetsprod/images/Michelle_First-Gen.png\" alt=\"\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/figure>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">As an undergraduate at UCLA, I often felt pressured by my family to be a perfect straight-A student and never asked for help. It wasn’t until my third year, when I attended a library workshop for a research paper, that I learned how to navigate Library resources for specific subjects – something that I had never been taught. The librarian leading the workshop was very kind and answered all my questions. This experience motivated me to ask for help more often. As a result, I successfully completed my research paper and graduated. That experience ultimately inspired me to become a librarian, so I could help other students.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">I encourage first-generation students to reach out to our librarians with any and all questions, whether they need help finding the right information or materials for classes or understanding the research process. The Library also offers resources beyond academics to support a healthy work-life balance, including the newly opened \u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/help/services-resources/powell-library-game-room/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Game Room\u003C/a> in Powell Library.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Your tuition covers library access, so I encourage students to take full advantage of the resources and services available. And if you’re unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to schedule a \u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/help/services-resources/research-consultations/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research Consultation\u003C/a>. \u003C/p>","Michelle Li",{"id":255,"typeHandle":248,"richText":256,"sectionTitle":257},"11301285","\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Collections Strategies Librarian\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"image--half\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/about/staff/gissel-rios/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://static.library.ucla.edu/craftassetsprod/images/Gissel.png\" alt=\"Gissel Rios\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/figure>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">College is often a non-linear experience; thankfully, you’ll meet people along the way who will make it a little easier to navigate. At UCLA Library, there are people across the many locations and in various roles who are there to support you with your research needs, as well as with creating a space for you to de-stress and build community.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Some of my favorite resources are in the science libraries. We have \u003Ca href=\"https://search.library.ucla.edu/permalink/01UCS_LAL/tk6osu/alma9997271840706533\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chemistry models\u003C/a> at both \u003Ca href=\"https://craft.library.ucla.edu/visit/locations/science-engineering-library\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Boelter\u003C/a> and the \u003Ca href=\"https://craft.library.ucla.edu/visit/locations/biomed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Biomedical Library\u003C/a>, as well as \u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/help/services-resources/anatomy-models/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">anatomy models\u003C/a> at the Biomedical Library. Even though these items are only for in-house use, they are great study resources for visual learners, as well as for those interested in studying in group settings for projects or class. \u003C/p>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">The Library is open to everyone, so I encourage you to bring your loved ones to visit and explore our many Library locations.\u003C/p>","Gissel Rios",{"id":259,"typeHandle":248,"richText":260,"sectionTitle":261},"11301286","\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Interim Head of Collection Strategies\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cfigure class=\"image--half\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/about/staff/megan-rosenbloom/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://static.library.ucla.edu/craftassetsprod/images/Megan_FirstGen-1.png\" alt=\"Megan Rosenbloom\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/figure>\n\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Maybe it's typical of my older millennial generation, but I adopted a \"fake it 'til you make it\" strategy as an undergrad and graduate student, navigating spaces in academia where I didn't know the unspoken rules. It wasn't until long after I'd safely \"made it\" in academia that I recognized my mindset and found the courage to admit, \"I don't know what this is,\" or ask, \"Why do we do it this way?\" and use my position to advocate for clarity and change. I think a lot of information gatekeeping happens when people assume a shared understanding, don't know what others don't know, and those who don't know are too afraid to ask. So I hold that feeling in me and look for ways to demystify processes, provide access to information, and help folks who are younger or less privileged than I am now. It's a core value to me not to pull the ladder up behind me.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">As a former medical librarian, I've always thought \u003Ca href=\"https://search.library.ucla.edu/permalink/01UCS_LAL/tk6osu/alma9920510574106531\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NatMed Pro\u003C/a> was a useful resource, even for nonmedical professionals. It organizes information about natural medicines and supplements, including the scientific evidence behind their uses and potential interactions with medications, foods, and other supplements. For those without a medical background, this information can be a helpful starting point for conversations with a doctor rather than a basis for making health decisions independently. Information literacy is more important than ever, and health information literacy affects everyone.\u003C/p>","Megan Rosenbloom",{"id":263,"typeHandle":248,"richText":264,"sectionTitle":265},"11301287","\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cstrong>Unit Head, International and Area Studies; Librarian/Curator for Latin American and Iberian Studies\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cfigure class=\"image--half\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/about/staff/s%C3%B3crates-silva/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://static.library.ucla.edu/craftassetsprod/images/Socrates.png\" alt=\"Socrates Silva\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/figure>\n\n\u003Cp>Seeking help doesn't mean you don't belong here or that you're less competent than your peers. Our libraries can be challenging to navigate, even for experienced researchers.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>We have a few low-barrier ways to get help, including our \u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/help/services-resources/ask-us/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ask Us chat service\u003C/a>, where staff can help you brainstorm keyword searches for your topic and find research databases appropriate for your question, and our \u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/help/research-help/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research Help desks\u003C/a>, where you can talk to someone in person or over Zoom to get started with your research. If you're looking for a physical book, you can also ask staff at the circulation desks or student workers reshelving books in the stacks.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Asking for help is an emotional muscle you have to keep training throughout your life; keeping that muscle strong will serve you well, and it's never too late to start training it.\u003C/p>","Sócrates Silva",{"id":267,"typeHandle":248,"richText":268,"sectionTitle":269},"11301288","\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cstrong>Public Services Coordinator, Library Special Collections\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cfigure class=\"image--half\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/about/staff/solomon-blaylock/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://static.library.ucla.edu/craftassetsprod/images/Solomon_first-gen.png\" alt=\"Solomon Blaylock\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/figure>\n\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">You made it here; you can make it here.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">As a first-generation undergraduate, I often struggled to figure out whom to ask for help with financial aid, registration, academic planning and important deadlines. I quickly learned that librarians were people I could turn to for guidance. Even when they didn't have the answers themselves, they helped connect me with the right person or department. That experience shaped how I approach my own work in libraries.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">I believe one of UCLA Library's greatest resources is its\u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/help/services-resources/ask-us/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> staff\u003C/a>, who bring diverse backgrounds and expertise and a genuine desire to help students. I'm confident that anyone who reaches out will find someone willing to listen and help them find the right resources. We're here to help you find them.\u003C/p>","Solomon Blaylock",{"id":271,"typeHandle":248,"richText":272,"sectionTitle":273},"11301290","\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Music Access Services Lead\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"image--half\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/about/staff/michael-roesler/\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://static.library.ucla.edu/craftassetsprod/images/Michael-1.png\" alt=\"Michael Roesler\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/figure>\n\n\u003Cp>My first job ever was working at the Charles E. Young Research Library during my first year of undergrad at UCLA. Working there helped me learn about Library resources that supported me in so many ways. Resources like \u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/help/services-resources/interlibrary-loan-ill/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Interlibrary Loan\u003C/a>, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/visit/events-exhibitions/stressbusters/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stressbusters\u003C/a> programs during finals week and other Library events helped me navigate undergrad. They gave me what I needed for my classes, but also fun ways to de-stress and manage my mental health. This made me want to help other students learn about these resources since they helped me so much.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>My advice is to find someone in your life who brings you comfort and is easy to talk to, and start there when you need help. That person might not have the answers, but they can help direct you to someone else or give you the courage to branch out to others. Taking those first steps can be hard or scary, but it gets easier as you move forward.\u003C/p>","Michael Roesler",{"id":275,"typeHandle":248,"richText":276,"sectionTitle":277},"11301289","\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cstrong>Library Buildings, Facilities and Sponsored Projects Administrator\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Being a first-generation student carries tremendous pressure. I've found that sharing stories with others who have similar experiences can be incredibly reassuring and help build a sense of belonging and community. One way to do this is definitely through our vast array of \u003Ca href=\"https://www.library.ucla.edu/visit/locations/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">library services\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">I want students to know about the spaces available to them and the resources they can borrow. For students who live with large families or have limited space to study at home, these resources can make a meaningful difference. I encourage first-generation students to explore what the Library has to offer and find the support and space they need to thrive.\u003C/p>","Melina Perez",{"id":279,"typeHandle":248,"richText":280,"sectionTitle":281},"11347213","\u003Cp>From Nov. 2–9, visit book displays in Powell Library and Charles E. Young Research Library featuring first-generation stories and authors.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Explore \u003Ca href=\"https://ucla.app.box.com/s/13xlse6gcmb1m9rml3qkxzhr9huzl0sw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">additional recommended reads\u003C/a> from UCLA Library collections.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https://static.library.ucla.edu/craftassetsprod/images/first-gen-reads_IMG_3106.jpg\" alt=\"\" />\u003C/p>","Recommended Reads",{"id":283,"typeHandle":248,"richText":284,"sectionTitle":285},"11341102","\u003Cp>Looking for more ways to connect? UCLA's \u003Ca href=\"https://firsttogo.ucla.edu/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">First To Go\u003C/a> program offers resources, programs and opportunities for first-generation undergraduate and graduate students to build community and find support throughout their college experience.\u003C/p>","First-generation Resources at UCLA",{"id":287,"typeHandle":288,"sectionTitle":289,"sectionSummary":50,"cards":290},"11347389","simpleCards","Related Content",[291,301,309],{"id":292,"typeHandle":293,"contentLink":294},"11347390","internalServiceOrResource",[295],{"id":296,"uri":297,"slug":298,"title":299,"summary":300},"894880","visit/events-exhibitions/stressbusters","stressbusters","Stressbusters","\u003Cp>Drop-in week 10 and finals week activities to help you relax, recharge and finish the quarter strong\u003C/p>",{"id":302,"typeHandle":293,"contentLink":303},"11347391",[304],{"id":305,"uri":306,"slug":307,"title":35,"summary":308},"68773","help/services-resources/ask-us","ask-us","\u003Cp>Can't find what you are looking for? Find all the ways to get in touch with Library staff, including our 24/7 chat service.\u003C/p>",{"id":310,"typeHandle":293,"contentLink":311},"11347392",[312],{"id":313,"uri":314,"slug":315,"title":86,"summary":316},"14466","help/research-help","research-help","\u003Cp>We're here to help! Library staff can support your research journey with a variety of services, tools and resources. \u003C/p>",1793693479623]