Hi! I’m Risca, and I'm a Biochemistry and Business Economics double major at UC San Diego. I been at UCSD since my first year, so I'm very well familiar with the ins and outs of campus life and the excitement and struggles each year holds. I'm also incredibly involved in multiple campus organizations (academic chemistry​/​prehealth orgs, Panhellenic community, etc.) and can give the most honest advice about academics, student life, food spots (off campus too!), housing, clubs, and what I wish I knew before coming here. Whether you’re deciding if UCSD is the right fit or just want a real student perspective, I’m so beyond happy to help!

Hometown

San Francisco, CA

Major(s)

Biochemistry, Business Economics

Clubs, organizations & involvement

American Chemical Society - Publicity Chair, Chair of Social Inclusion, Senior Advisor Phi Sigma Rho - VP of Panhellenic Relations College Panhellenic Society - VP Finance Global Medical Brigades - Member

Describe your college experience

My transition into college was super exciting but also confusing at the same time. As a first generation student, much of the information and opportunities I found were all dependent on my own efforts in networking and doing my research. But once I got past these initial struggles, I genuinely started identifying this campus as my second home. However, I can't say that my experience the next few years has been without struggle, because there were so many personal growth and academic challenges that I had to tackle along the way. But every single moment has contributed wonderfully into finding my place here, and it's made my college experience so incredibly rich and fulfilling. I feel incredibly lucky to call UCSD my second home and to have it play such an important chapter in my life.

Tip for future students

Be initiative!! Be the first one to reach out or strike a conversation, because 99% of the time, they're also waiting for you to say something. We're all college students going through very similar experiences, and this is YOUR time to find those meaningful and possibly lifelong connections!!

Favorite class

BILD 1,2 were very interesting basic biology classes that gave me a better idea about how human bodies work. CHEM 108 was a great experience in getting biochemistry lab experience. MGT 103 was so informative and relevant to today's world, and learning about marketing techniques and building a project at the end of the class was really interesting.

Career goals

Marketing, product management

Ideal way to spend a free night

Sing​/​play music, go out with friends, exploring new places, watching movies​/​shows, getting crafty and creative, working on passion projects​/​doing research, eating

High school or secondary school

Mills High School, Millbrae, CA