Fourth-year history major and education minor Gracie Bernstein is proud to be a Highlander. To Bernstein, being a UC Riverside student is not just about her education, but about the work that it took to get here. Prior to transferring, Bernstein received three associate’s degrees, as she wanted to explore her options before settling on history. Making her way through community college and transferring to UCR would not have been possible if not for the support of her family, nor her own dedication.

“I think my family has been my biggest support,” Bernstein said. “They have always encouraged me to continue and push through community college and every quarter here at UCR. Transferring can be such a difficult process and I wanted to give up several times, but my family was always there to remind me of the long-term goal I had. I have 10 siblings and I am close with all of them; whenever I need help or support there is always someone there for me.”

Since enrolling at UCR, Bernstein has made a name for herself through her hard work and perseverance.

“Gracie is a high-achieving student, a dedicated parent, and a scholar-practitioner who aspires to be a history teacher,” Stewer said, “She goes above and beyond her responsibilities as a leader within CHASS F1RST to advocate for resources for all transfer students.”

Balancing an education with parenthood can be difficult, especially when one also has to work. However, Bernstein ensured her success by being aware of what she could handle. The support offered by the Women’s Resource Center and Basic Needs as well as the CHASS academic advisors also gave Bernstein a greater safety net to rely on.

“I went back to school when my daughter was five months and now she's three,” Bernstein said, “I think the most effective thing I have done was making sure that I keep my calendar up to date. Staying on top of all my due dates is so important, as a parent sometimes things slip through the cracks but this way I have never missed an assignment. I think remembering to be compassionate with myself is important too. I never overloaded my schedule and was always realistic with what I could do and be successful in. My daughter has been such a big supporter of mine and one of my reasons to continue.”

According to Bernstein, having strong mentors is very helpful for planning for the future. Faculty from the School of Education and the CHASS F1RST program gave her a way to explore her passions. The workshops hosted by CHASS F1RST were especially useful for discovering opportunities within the history field. It is because of this support that Bernstein intends to stay with UCR to pursue her post-graduate degrees.

“I will be staying at UCR next year to pursue my masters in education,” Bernstein said, “with a concentration in teaching as well as my teaching credential in Social Sciences through our Teacher Education Program! I am very excited to stay here at UCR, it really is my home.”

FEATURED PHOTO. Gracie Bernstein stands before the UCR sign, the bell tower standing behind her.