I am a senior year at UCSC studying Art and Design: Games and Playable media. I have done 3 years of speech and debate, and as a part of my work as an artist I often have to perform for or engage with an audience. I generally spend my free time making art, making music, reading, and trying to meet interesting people.

Hometown

Encinitas, California

Major(s)

Art and Design, Games and Playable Media

Minor(s)

Electronic Music

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Nowhere Lab

Describe your college experience

Adjusting to the more open structure of college took some time, however I found the experience to be quite liberating and I have enjoyed the ability to choose to apply myself in areas that interest me. The community UCSC has fostered both with students and faculty is really unique and has allowed me to challenge myself academically, while also meeting a lot of open minded people with interesting perspectives to share. While adjusting to college seemed daunting, I think the resources provided by the university helped me and probably lots of other students as well.

Tip for future students

My biggest tip to incoming students would be to familiarize themselves with the campus and the resources provided to them. One of the biggest benefits of attending a large university is having that robust support structure, and knowing where to go when you need help be it academically, socially, emotionally, or otherwise is vital in navigating college life. I would also recommend students to make an effort in branching out from what their comfort zones. Taking exploratory courses and attending events can often spark a passion within someone they didn't yet know was there, and I think college is one of the best opportunities to try out a lot of different things to see what fits you best. In addition to this, students should try to make connections with their peers and their professors as I believe doing so is conducive to a successful social and academic life.

Favorite class

My favorite course was Artg-129-04, Special topics in Game Design with professor Patrick Ballard. This class was fairly small and allowed students to direct interactive performance games as a part of a larger production. I enjoyed how this course allowed me to grow as an artist while also allowing me to present my work through an interactive performance. I also got the opportunity to work closely with other students to help them with their pieces, which was really informative. I enjoy having the ability to work with others both as peers in the creation of dynamic and interesting work, and as a performer who is responsible for keeping an audience engaged while tailoring my performance in real time to accommodate the variety of people who were present. I served as a valuable opportunity to expand my knowledge and to introduce people to experimental art.

Career goals

I would ideally like to work as an art professor. I have a huge passion for art and seeing the creativity in people, and I would really like the opportunity to support others in their journey to become an artist. I think having a competent and understanding mentor is one of the most valuable things any student can have in harnessing their abilities and being excited about their work, and I would find a lot of fulfilment in filling that role for others the same way my professors have done for me. I am a naturally extroverted individual and I really love to learn, and I think working as a professor could allow me to keep learning while also helping anxious students become confident in their work as well as help passionate students realize their creative visions.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I like to spend my free time reading as well as creating and experiencing art. I am practically always working on some kind of art, be it music, illustrations, writing, or otherwise. When I am not creating I like to read because I find it really enjoyable to learn more about the lives of others and what their perspectives might offer me. When the opportunity presents itself I also enjoy attending events where other artists are performing or presenting their work. I think it's important to support and maintain community with local artists, and the university environment allows a lot of opportunities to do so.

High school or secondary school

San Dieguito Academy - Encinitas, California

Previous college

MiraCosta College - I dual enrolled in this community college in my junior and senior years of high school before my admission as a freshman at UCSC.