I'm originally from San Luis Obispo, California, a town with a downtown that actually feels a lot like Santa Cruz's, so this area felt familiar and welcoming from the start. For the past three years, I've explored both campus and town on my Vespa scooter, which has given me a great feel for all the hidden gems UCSC and Santa Cruz have to offer. That love of exploring and connecting with a new place carries over into how I am with people, too. I genuinely enjoy meeting new faces and helping others feel comfortable, and I always try to find ways to accommodate different needs so that everyone I interact with feels taken care of.

Hometown

San Luis Obispo, CA

Major(s)

Philosophy

Minor(s)

Journalism, Legal Studies, Politics

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I studied abroad in Rome, Italy for spring quarter 2026 and I was on the Ethics Bowl Team last year.

Describe your college experience

My transition to college started off smoothly, thanks in large part to living in a triple in the John R. Lewis dorms my freshman year. My roommates were incredibly kind, and we got along well right from the start, which made adjusting to a new place feel much easier. Living in the dorms helped me meet many of the friends I still have today, and I quickly felt welcomed by both the campus and the surrounding Santa Cruz community. In my second year, I moved off campus into a house with a friend, which pushed me to keep building community in a new way and introduced me to even more great people. Looking back, my experience at UCSC has been shaped by genuine connection, both in the dorms and beyond, and I feel like I've grown a real sense of belonging here, something I'd be glad to help new students find too.

Tip for future students

My biggest piece of advice for incoming students is to really put yourself out there. Join clubs, try new activities, and explore hobbies you might not have considered before college. The Santa Cruz community, both on campus and in town, is incredibly welcoming and open-minded, so there's little to lose by trying something new. I'd also encourage students to take advantage of the natural surroundings; between the redwoods, the coastline, and everything in between, Santa Cruz offers a beautiful backdrop for college life that's worth exploring outside the classroom.

Favorite class

My favorite class at UCSC was 19th Century Philosophy. That era ended up being my favorite area within the subject, and the professor, Jean Proust, made the material genuinely enjoyable to engage with. I also made many of my closest friends in that class, and we had the chance to work together on fun group presentations, which made the learning experience even more memorable.

Career goals

After college, I hope to continue my education in either journalism or law. Both fields appeal to me because I want to do work that makes a genuine difference, and I see them as strong paths toward that goal. I'm still exploring which direction is the best fit for me, and I'm looking forward to gaining more experience and insight in the coming year that will help me decide where to focus next.

Ideal way to spend a free night

On my free nights, I love spending time with my friends, whether we're hanging out at my house or heading out for the evening. Several of my friends play in bands, so I especially enjoy catching their performances, whether that's at a house show or seeing them play at 11th Hour Coffee. It's one of my favorite ways to unwind and stay connected to the local music scene here in Santa Cruz.

High school or secondary school

Templeton High School

Previous college

I did part time community college at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo while in high school.