About Me

My name is Gabriela Andrade and I am a first-generation college student who is currently a second-year Psychology and Brain Sciences major and the University of California, Santa Barbara. I was born and raised in Porterville, which is a small town located in California's Central Valley. The Central Valley is very well known for its abundance in agricultural crops and ability to supply more than half of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that are grown in the United States. Most of these crops are handpicked by fieldworkers, which have to endure the hot sun in the summertime and cold wind throughout the winter, many of which are being paid at minimum wage. Since the age of sixteen, I have also spent my fair share of summers working in the fields picking grapes. Although it was challenging, this experience is something that I believe has shaped me into the person that I am today. Upon entering UCSB, I was unaware of how different it was going to be from my hometown and the way people lived. I was so accustomed to living in such a deprived community that I did not know I would feel so behind and unprepared entering my first year of college. Although it has been a challenge that I was able to overcome, I knew I wanted to share my personal experience and the experience of those who are fieldworkers. I am dedicating time to let others know my community's story and understand that some individuals have overcome can great barriers just to go get an education or even live their day-to-day lives.