From monsoons to maps: First-generation student Bianca Arreola named Dean’s Medalist (opens in new tab)

For Bianca Arreola, Arizona’s monsoon was more than just a favorite time of year. It was the beginning of her academic path.Growing up in Glendale, Arizona, Arreola always knew she wanted to pursue a degree rooted in science and math. As a first-generation college student whose parents immigrated from Chihuahua, Mexico, she also knew higher education represented opportunity.