MEET ANTHONY: From A Challenging Start to Finding Academic Success at UCLA 

Alumni profile: ANthONY Bibiano

Born and raised in Oakland, CA Anthony Bibiano describes a rough beginning to his life. He was one of seven children born to working class immigrant parents living in a too-small apartment. With issues ranging from racism to an overworked police and school system, he felt puzzled and overwhelmed by the lack of justice for his community.

After the death of a close relative due to gun violence, Anthony grappled with deep feelings of rage and found himself at a crossroads: he could either continue down the path he was on or seek support from family and his friends.

At that moment, a teacher at Oakland High school noticed his struggle and stepped in.

Not only was Mr. White a great role model for Anthony, but he was also a Global Glimpse Leader who encouraged him to apply for a scholarship.

What did your family think about you joining Global Glimpse and going to the Dominican Republic? 

My mom was definitely skeptical when I first brought up the program, but the entire Global Glimpse team was amazing and very hands-on in preparing me and my family for the experience. That’s the thing about Global Glimpse: they don’t just embrace you; they embrace you AND your family.

More than that, my family was proud of me for finding an opportunity they hadn’t had access to. They encouraged me to push past my hesitations and sign up. Seeing their support made me realize they would always be right behind me—not just for this adventure, but as I figured out my life’s path. It made, and still makes, all the difference.

What was the most transformative aspect of your Global Glimpse Program to the Dominican Republic (DR)?

In Constanza, the area I traveled to, young kids were shining shoes or working odd jobs to earn a few cents a day. School wasn’t a priority when their families needed their help to survive. I grew up working multiple jobs from a young age, and their situation really hit home for me.

For our Community Action Project (CAP), my delegation worked directly with community leaders to identify a handful of projects that would cultivate a fun school environment and encourage kids throughout the region to attend classes. By planting a garden, building bookshelves, and painting murals, my delegation and I worked side by side with the community.

Another transformative moment was realizing that through these personal connections, I was able to release some of my built-up frustrations from living in the United States and change my perspective for the better.

As we danced bachata, shared stories in the rain, and laughed across language barriers, it reinforced the importance of community in my life. I took the time to really get to know the community and learn what was actually going on, and I think that in helping others like that, I found my purpose. That’s what I want to do with my life.

Do you still keep in touch with the people in your delegation or with Global Glimpse Alumni? 

Absolutely. My roommate during the program actually went to UCLA, so we would catch up all the time. When I first started at UCLA, things could sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether it was school or just navigating the system, coming from a lower-income background made it feel like a language I didn’t speak.

There’s good and bad everywhere; there’s positivity everywhere. It’s about learning to be comfortable with who you are and where you come from, and not being ashamed of it.

Now that I’ve graduated, I try to remember those feelings and stay in touch with the Global Glimpse alumni group and my local community, helping out where I can when other students find themselves in similar situations.

When you joined Global Glimpse did you think college was in your future after graduating high school? 

After graduating high school, I went to Laney Community College in Oakland. Right when I started, the pandemic happened, and we were forced to switch to online learning. I spent a lot of the pandemic reflecting on my future, exploring my passions, and considering the stepping stones to positively impact my community. I felt like the world had become a blank canvas, and I wanted to paint it with positivity!

From there, I applied to UCLA and graduated with a degree in Political Science.

How has your family been impacted by your academic success? 

I was the first in my family to attend and graduate from college, and the really cool thing is seeing how my choices have encouraged my younger sisters. One of them graduated recently and now works for JP Morgan, while the other is actively pursuing her college degree.

My family means everything to me, and I owe them a lot for their support. I’m proud of the example I can set and hope to inspire not just my immediate family, but also the wider community I interact with on a daily basis.

How did you pick to study Political Science as your major in college? 

Community has always been the cornerstone of my life. Whether working directly with my family or partnering with local nonprofits to provide assistance and programming, helping those around me is my passion.

While my path to and time at UCLA weren’t always easy, I’m truly grateful for the subjects I studied and the leadership opportunities I had.

What’s the next step in your career journey post graduation? 

I graduated in the spring of 2023 and spent the following year working as an Engagement Coordinator with San Francisco CASA, an organization dedicated to providing support and advocacy for foster youth involved in the system, ensuring they have what they need for healthy development and a smooth transition to adulthood.

It’s a powerful program that aligns with my professional ambitions to help my community. However, as I reflected on my larger path for the future, I decided to take a step back and actively apply to MBA programs in Northern California.

I’m excited about what this next chapter will bring and how it will bring me closer to leading a fulfilling life as an advocate for those around me.