For Yolanda Vargas, the path through UC Riverside has been more than just a series of degrees—it’s been a mission to pay it forward. A proud Highlander through and through, Yolanda earned her bachelor’s in public policy in 2020, followed by her master’s in 2022. But it was her time between those milestones that helped shape the advocate she is today.
Finding a Spark in Peer Advising
Yolanda’s journey into student leadership began with a desire to bridge the gap for others. As a first-generation student, she navigated the complexities of university life with the help of her advisor, Deisy Vaca. Deisy’s transformative guidance didn’t just help Yolanda graduate; it inspired her to serve.
From July 2019 to September 2020, Yolanda served as a Peer Academic Advisor (PAA). She was surprised to learn that, at the time, the program was the first of its kind on campus. While she loved building peer-to-peer connections, the role wasn't without its hurdles.
"There was a learning curve at first!" Yolanda admits, reflecting on the challenge of mastering intricate university policies and student record guidelines for the first time.
Coming Back to the Foundation
Today, Yolanda has come full circle. She currently serves as the Admissions Recruitment and Academic Program Specialist for the School of Public Policy (SPP). In this role, she oversees recruitment and admissions for three distinct programs:
- BA Public Policy
- BA/MPP 5-Year Program
- Master of Public Policy
The move back to SPP was fueled by her lifelong passion for working with youth. By guiding prospective students through the admissions process, she ensures the next generation of policy leaders has the same support system she once relied on. For Yolanda, it’s about more than just paperwork—it’s about helping students explore their future opportunities at the very foundation where her own journey began.