Ivan Gonzalez crossed the border daily from Mexicali to the United States to attend school. As he simultaneously struggled to learn English and the lessons being taught, he never imagined himself pursuing higher education.

Today, Ivan is a first-generation Mexican American senior at CSU San Marcos, majoring in biological sciences with a minor in Spanish. At CSUSM, Ivan has taken active roles in the Educational Opportunity Program, College Assistance Migrant Program and the Pre-Health Society. He has engaged in research as a biophysiologist focusing on comparative, integrative and evolutionary vertebrate physiology, and is currently studying lepidopterans and their electro-physiology. Ivan also serves as a medical intern and interpreter at Palomar Medical Center, where he assists medical providers and patients.

Upon completion of his bachelor's degree, Ivan plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career as a physician assistant.