Bonjour! Hello! My name is Yesenia Garcia Ramos, but you can just call me Yesenia. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Recently I moved up north to Santa Barbara for college, where I attend the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB). I am a first-generation and transfer student, meaning I am the first in my family to go to college and I commenced my higher education at a community college for two years prior to transferring into UCSB.
Language has played an important role in my life. From an early age, I would translate from English to Spanish for my mom. I learned to read and write in both languages because I enjoy reading, writing and talking. It’s the main reason I became an English major. At my community college, I was curious about learning another language, so I enrolled in French. I loved learning about new languages and cultures, because both offer a great challenge with many rewards.
I'm so excited to learn all about French language, literature, food and culture this semester! I applied for and received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which has helped me make this study abroad opportunity possible. I will be living in Bordeaux, France with a host family and I am excited to share my journey with you all!
