Arlinda Perez didn’t know what to expect when applying for the Miller Scholars Program. Coming from East Los Angeles College as a student parent, she meticulously browsed UC Berkeley websites to find resources and eventually came across Miller Scholars. Despite having doubts about being in the program, she became a Miller Scholar and launched her academic trajectory.
Arlinda was invited to go to campus during the summer before her start date at Berkeley, where she was able to stay for two weeks. During this time, she was able to connect with fellow students. The summer transition program helped her feel that her college experience was uniquely hers, with her status as a first-generation and low-income student being embraced and supported on campus. Arlinda notes that “building that community early on was life saving” and was the best decision she made coming to campus.
At East L.A. College, Arlinda was actively involved in several organizations, including the Social Justice Club. She describes her participation in these clubs as an "introductory experience in research," which helped refine her skills at Miller’s. Conducting research at an R1 university initially felt overwhelming, as much of it was unfamiliar to her. However, she credits the Miller Scholars program for offering invaluable support and the flexibility to learn and grow throughout the process.
During her time in the Miller Scholars Program, Arlinda chose to pursue the research route and focused on the concept of recidivism. Her project was an ethnographic study that employed the lens of critical race theory to examine and challenge white privilege. The research aimed to deepen the understanding of the criminal justice system as a whole. Arlinda’s motivation stemmed from her personal experiences growing up in Southeast Los Angeles where she recounts experiences of discrimination. By giving awareness, the project was “near and dear to [her] heart.”
Initially, Arlinda didn’t have a faculty mentor but as she enrolled in Chicano Studies courses, she met Dr. Pablo Gonzalez. “I gravitated towards him because he knew everything and I was like, take me under your wing!” said Arlinda. She notes that he was an amazing advisor and he catered to both her academic and professional growth.
Starting in the Miller Scholars Program presented several challenges for Arlinda. She recalls having to acclimate in every sense as a non-traditional student, and often felt overwhelmed by the process of understanding the social norms of campus life. For Arlinda, the Miller Scholars Program was crucial in connecting with other students who shared similar backgrounds and life experiences. As a passionate researcher, she had multiple research ideas and frequently faced uncertainty about what to study. Navigating her classes and determining a focus for her research proved to be difficult. Despite these challenges, she allowed herself the flexibility to explore and be kind to herself, acknowledging that she holds herself to high standards.
Since graduating from UC Berkeley, Arlinda has become one of the program's most passionate advocates. She reflects on the profound impact the Miller Scholars Program had on her, stating, "[Miller Scholars] served as my home base, my family away from family, my chosen family, and it provided me with invaluable skills. Looking back, we attended events, were invited to join campus communities, and had the opportunity to engage with staff and other departments. It wasn't just about Miller Scholars—we weren’t isolated in a small bubble. I was able to expand my network and build meaningful connections."
Balancing coursework with regular meetings with her cohort helped Arlinda develop a strong support system in a collaborative and reciprocal environment. Through Miller Scholars, she honed critical skills in data analysis, project management, and public speaking—skills that proved invaluable during her participation in the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) at Berkeley, where she laid the foundation for research.
Arlinda is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) at the School of Social Welfare at UC Berkeley. For prospective applicants, she recommends taking the time to invest in yourself by thoroughly researching the program, understanding its expectations, and exploring the resources it offers. Reflecting on her own experience, Arlinda finds the program especially valuable for first-generation and low-income students. "It encourages you to engage with faculty, refine your interests, and find mentors who provide crucial support," she explains. Through the guidance of her advisor, Arlinda has been introduced to professors who have set her on a positive trajectory, benefiting both her and her children. She encourages applicants to remain curious, even if the process feels intimidating, and to apply without hesitation. The Miller Scholars program, she notes, fosters an environment where mistakes are part of the learning process, and it is perfectly acceptable to start anew—there will always be people ready to support and guide you along the way.
