This is part of a series of profiles of new UC Merced Bobcats enrolled for the fall 2025 semester.
Leslie Perez-Cruz will start at UC Merced with several accomplishments already under her belt - she took classes at Merced College while attending high school and is a certified nursing assistant, on her way to become an emergency room technician and ultimately attend medical school.
Where I come from: I am a local here, born and raised in Merced. I graduated from El Capitan High School, which is about four to five minutes from UC Merced.
What I've done: As a student from ECHS, I graduated as salutatorian and was on the honor roll all four years. I was able to become a CNA during my high school years. I was involved in the aquatics program, where I played water polo for three years and did competitive swimming for two years. While at school, I would also work in my parents' family business at flea markets, where we would sell aguas frescas.
Why are you excited about coming to UC Merced? I truly believe this school will open so many opportunities to me. I am excited about the hands-on opportunities and learning new things within my major. I'm excited for the fresh new start and campus life.
Academic and personal goals:I wish to accomplish an amazing application for medical school once I graduate. I wish to build beautiful bonds with friends and my professors. I want to build strong academic resources that will help me build skills and knowledge to succeed. Personally, I want to grow as an individual, becoming more independent, confident and involved.
Favorite food: My favorite food will forever be clayudas, an Oaxacan dish.
What do you do to relax? Swimming. It helps me feel free and not worry about anything.
You can teleport anywhere in the world for a three-day weekend. Where do you go? Lake Tahoe. It is an amazing place to connect with nature and just relax.
Quotable: "If you are new to Merced, I will be happy to show you around the town."
