By Amanda Holst, Public Affairs Assistant
Daniel Guzman is one of 27 McNair Scholars highlighted in the program’s most recent newsletter for his research on the common stereotypes associated with being an undocumented immigrant.
My name is Daniel Guzman. I am the son of Mexican immigrants and I will be the first in my immediate family to graduate from college. I am beginning my fourth year at SJSU, and I am majoring in sociology, concentration in criminology, with a minor in Mexican American studies. My research interests and my passions range from learning about racial and ethnic inequality, to sociology of education, as well as learning crime and deviance. With that said, my ambitions in life would be to effectively address the disparities and inequalities plaguing our communities so that more students of color could have the wonderful opportunities and experiences I have been exposed to these last four years in my undergraduate education at SJSU. Obtaining a Ph.D. would enable me to be a more resourceful individual and furthermore it would be a catalyst for change for Chicano males amongst my family and my peers. In my research, I will be tackling the illegal immigration issue and delineating whether or not the stereotypes associated with being an undocumented immigrant are accurate or falsified. The paper has been very difficult to write, yet rewarding, and I am forever grateful for the mentorship and dedication provided by my mentor, Assistant Professor Vera Sanchez. In my spare time when I am not plagued by endless homework assignments, I enjoy spending time with my family and doing extracurricular activities such as playing soccer, basketball, and handball.
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” -Michael Jordan
Above is one of my favorite quotes that inspire me to keep striving and pushing forward despite my many failures and setbacks.
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is designed to prepare underrepresented minorities for graduate education by providing research opportunities and admissions guidance. Students in the program are required to have a 3.0 GPA, be both first-generation and low-income, and working towards a doctoral degree.
To get a copy of the newsletter, please contact Jeannine Slater at Jeannine.Slater@sjsu.edu or (408) 924-2540.