Behind each UC diploma is a story — from a 15-year-old making history, to an Olympian/astrophysicist, to students who overcame significant challenges to earn their degree.

UC’s latest crop of graduates has learned the value of trying new things, taking risks and seeking out new opportunities in a quest to find their passions.

Large percentages of UC alums enter the workforce with no student debt — and ready to benefit themselves and their communities.

Meet 10 first-gen graduates who started their journey to UC at a California community college.