Vincent Rasso, who graduated from the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in political science, currently serves as the Director of Government Relations for the UC Student Association. Rasso is responsible for both the state and federal policy agenda supporting students within the University of California system. His interest in educational policy began in high school when he served on the county board for the superintendent, but it was through the support of his university community that he found success.

Rasso became a student of UC Riverside following an accident that left his father in the hospital. Rasso had planned to go to University of California, San Diego, but he chose to stay closer to home in order to support his family.

“I didn't intend initially to attend UC Riverside,” Rasso said, “but it ended up being one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I look back on my four and a half years in my undergrad and I just see all of the things that it's brought me that have been so beneficial.”

While a major benefit was the financial aid package, Rasso also found community at UC Riverside. In high school, Rasso participated in cross country and student government, inspiring him to continue with extracurriculars during undergrad, such as Run Club and Associated Students of UC Riverside. As a first-year fellow in ASUCR, Rasso received mentorship from the student body president. Although he initially lacked direction for his career, the people he met helped him to find it.

“Pursuing these different things that helped me find myself were really what kind of propelled me to the finish line,” Rasso said. “And so I think the folks that I met, the people I met really helped me find my passion, which really kind of funneled into [my work]. I didn't know if I wanted to go into law. I didn't know if I wanted to go to the government. I ended up kind of funneling into the educational policy-slash-advocacy world because I ended up becoming really involved with our state assembly member, Jose Medina.”

The support from CHASS was also significant for Rasso’s academic success. The mentorship program, CHASS F1RST, as well as the political science department and the academic advising team provided Rasso with advice and assistance whenever he needed it.

“One thing I really testify was a huge benefit to my academic journey was the CHASS F1RST Learning Communities,” he said. “I think it's such a smart idea to be able to build community quarter one [in the] first year or if you're a transfer student. I was a part of the political science learning community where we had two third-year political science majors who were mentoring us and helping us build our academic plan.”

Rasso suggests that students do not focus on academics alone. He had a job and was also involved in work that he could apply to his field. Rasso’s work with assemblyman Medina meant that he had experience applying what he was learning in class to a professional environment.

“I always recommend and advise students that I come across, you really should be doing something or things that interest you and help you find what you're passionate about while you're pursuing your academics,” Rasso said.