Godinez, Elvia (Eli)

My name is Elvia Godinez, I like to go by Eli. Im a third year transfer from Orange County. I have come a long way and UCLA became my dream school and now Im here. I worked so hard and it pay off. Im a first generation student so its a great accomplishment and example for my love ones specially my nieces and nephew who are my motivation to further my education and give them the life they deserve. Im a Gender Study major, but looking to change it to Sociology and work on the requirements to apply to Medical School.

I come from a Mexican Heritage, I came back to the U.S when I was 15, my first language is Spanish and im very familiar with all the traditions of our culture, although I don't participate much in them I do have great respect and admiration for it. I grew up with values and hard work has always been part of my life. Orange County has been my home  and I love all the surroundings. I hope to get used to LA and have the same love that i have for OC.

I can't wait to see where UCLA takes me, Im very happy to be here, and I hope to find friends that will last a life time. Right now im enjoying my classes and in this class im really looking forward to draw on my drawing book, im really going to enjoy this project. As a Latina with Mexican heritage I grew up with Catholic religion and all. I was baptized, did my first communion, but now as an adult I don't follow religion. Im more spiritual, I believe in something greater than ourselves that watches out for us. I never really develop the devotion for the Virgin Marie, although as a child my grandmother was a very very devoted to her. We live in a very small village in Michoacan,Mex. Our house served as gathering for many to pray the rosary to the Virgin Marie and as a child was appointed to play Virgin Marie in Pilgrimages. I respect everyone believes, Im very open but I do avoid close minded people. Respect for it is what I have and my experience have been very close as a child. Now I keep an open mind.