Scholar Spotlight: Yaslin Carrasco

Yaslin Carrasco, a second-year Nursing Sciences major at UC Irvine, embodies resilience and determination in her pursuit of higher education. Her journey to UC Irvine was marked by both challenges and triumphs, rooted in her upbringing in Kerman, a small agricultural town in California's Central Valley.

Growing up in a low-income, immigrant-rich community, Yaslin witnessed firsthand the health disparities affecting her neighbors. The area faced significant challenges, such as limited healthcare access with only two hospitals serving the population. Many farmworkers, including immigrants and refugees, suffered from health issues related to pesticide exposure and harsh working conditions in extreme weather. The community also grappled with drug problems and racial tensions, only adding to the complex social landscape.

Yaslin's experience of living in a trailer park community gave her a personal understanding of the economic struggles many families faced. This challenging environment, however, ignited her passion for healthcare and drove her to seek opportunities beyond her hometown. Her decision to pursue higher education at UC Irvine was met with mixed emotions from her close-knit family. As the youngest daughter, Yaslin's parents were scared to see her venture off on her own, a testament to both their love and the cultural expectations of their community.

At UC Irvine, Yaslin was accepted into the highly competitive and unique four-year Nursing Sciences program, a specialized major that only admitted 40 students. The program is known for its rigorous, hands-on curriculum, yet Yaslin has shown remarkable ability in managing its demands alongside her various commitments.

Her first year at UC Irvine proved to be challenging. Dealing with homesickness and the guilt of leaving her family behind, Yaslin made a conscious decision to immerse herself fully in campus life to make the most of her college experience. She took several part-time service jobs, determined to put herself through college and alleviate any financial burden on her parents.

Despite these challenges, Yaslin embraced new experiences and joined two significant research labs. Her first lab focused on cancer cells, where she discovered a new passion for oncology nursing. At the second research lab she is delving into the study of dementia. These experiences not only broadened her scientific knowledge but also shaped her future career aspirations. Yaslin aspires to pursue graduate studies in Biology or become a Nurse Practitioner, driven by her passion for healthcare equity.

Beyond her research endeavors, Yaslin's involvement in the Campuswide Honors Collegium and her role as a Coordinator at the Sustainability Resource Center helped her find balance and build a strong sense of community on campus. Her resilience in the face of imposter syndrome and her ability to create a supportive network exemplify her strength and adaptability. Her journey serves as an inspiration, echoing her personal motto: "Continue transcending, do not be afraid to sit at tables that weren't originally meant for you."

This past May, Yasline received a scholarship from the Orange County Hispanic Youth Chamber of Commerce for her exemplary leadership. The UCI-OC Alliance is incredibly proud of Yaslin Carrasco for continuing to leave her mark, both at UC Irvine and in the broader community, carrying with her experiences and lessons from her hometown in the Central Valley.