Haniel Morquecho Beltran '25

Major: Elementary Education

What was it like being among the first in your family to go to college?

Empowering. I am proud to be the first of many on this journey. I probably won't have kids, but I do want to pay it back and pay it forward. My story is not finished yet, but when my story is finished I will publish a book! Just know that it was a fun story.

What does it mean for your personally to be a part of the FGEN community and, specifically, to be a FGEN student ambassador?

I am honored. I am representing an underrepresented community. I don't take this lightly.

What is your advice to FGEN students at UP who are facing challenges?

Don't give up. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Did a mentor play a role in your experience?

I feel like there wasn't one particular person that was always there. I had many people come and go from my life. So I've always been good at finding people when I need them while keeping in mind that they might not always be there. So my biggest mentor would have to be myself. I live by you can take a horse to water but you can't make it drink. Every time there was water I drank.

What resources have been significant, meaningful or helpful for you so far during your UP experience?

Community. Having faces that I can smile to and tell about my day has been so nice.