Hi, I'm Samantha! I'm a fourth-year student here, originally from Washington, DC, which means I've officially traded East Coast winters for San Diego sunshine -- still deciding if its the best decision I ever made. I'm studying Cognitive Science with a specialization in Design and Interaction, and I'm double minoring in Business and ICAM, so I spend a lot of my time thinking about how people think, how things get built, and how to tell a good story along the way. Coming here from across the country, I had to figure this campus out completely from scratch, which honestly makes me a pretty good tour guide — I remember exactly what it felt like to be lost, overwhelmed, and a little excited all at once. When I'm not in class, you'll probably find me at the beach, hunting down the best hotpot spot in San Diego, or blasting rock and Kpop music while I study. I love showing people around because this campus genuinely became home for me, hidden gems and all, and I want you to see it the way I do — not just the buildings, but the actual life here. So ask me anything, whether it's about classes, the beach, or where to get a decent bowl of hotpot off-campus.

Hometown

Derwood, Maryland

Major(s)

Cognitive Science Design and Interaction

Minor(s)

Business and ICAM

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Computer Science and Engineering Society Design Co. Cognitive Science Student Association

Describe your college experience

My freshman year was a little rough, where I was grappling the speed of the quarter system and the demands from my classes while maintaining a social life and romantic relationship. I was also working a part time job, and started living off campus my second year. From then till now, I've integrated a lifestyle as a commuter, out of state student taking STEM classes and fun electives while also pursuing two minors and experienced a major change, and it has all been a great experience that I would love to share to prospective students.

Tip for future students

I would tell students to leave their high school relationships behind, focus on the new chapter in their life and embracing the new changes, habits and friendships that come along with the journey, while also emphasizing that your college experience is what you make of it and how you go about making it the best it can be.

Favorite class

My favorite class has been COGS 101B, which covered the concepts of learning, memory, attention, and this has been my favorite class because the topics we learned were super interesting and I really enjoyed the final project where I got to create an interactive memory capsule that integrated core concepts I learned from the class.

Career goals

I hope to work in Product Management with an emphasis on mobile or website apps, hopefully continuing forward with the internships I've had so far.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night would be reading a good book in my room, eating a freshly cooked homemade meal that I had been craving and being able to relax and take some time to catch up on my to-read lists.

High school or secondary school

Walt Whitman High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the 5th floor of Keeling Apartments by Revelle College, because its an open-space with seating and a beautiful ocean view. I love going there when I have spare time to eat, do some work, or simply just bask in the ocean view (especially during sunsets).