Hello, my name is EJ Resuriaga, a second year at UCSC studying Film and Digital Media. I'm an active member of Bayanihan, the Filipino organization housed under UCSC and a current member of both the Haluan, the hip-hop dance team, as well as People Power, the acting and improv troupe under Bayanihan. I am also an active member in Circle K, the community service program as UCSC where I do my best to support sustainable living and give back to the community that as fostered this amazing environment I get to experience everyday.

Hometown

Las Vegas, Nevada

Major(s)

Film and Digital Media

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Bayanihan Circle K

Describe your college experience

My experience at UCSC so far has been nothing less than everything I thought it would be. I have found a new love for learning and being passionate about mundane, convoluted information because that's what makes knowledge so fundamental for our passion for the things we enjoy. I have made some of my closest and nicest friends here, and I only have more to look forward too. I've found a new love for my hobbies, and I've learned to grow into a leader and form my own thoughts through life and experience, not just in the classroom, but outside of it. I only hope to continue my love for learning as I'm incoming as a sophmore.

Tip for future students

My two cents would be to stay curious and always ask questions. Be passionate about what you want to learn and form your own opinions. Let the path pave itself and in reward, you'll never need the validation of others to prove your worth or greatness. Don't be scared to ask for help, your time is valuable and resources are necessary to succeed and give you peace of mind. Also, keep up with family and document as much as you can, you may forget a thing or two.

Favorite class

My favorite class that I had so far was MUSC 81A (Survey of Rap and Hip-Hop). This class was taught by the amazing Akua Naru, previously rapper now Hip-hip enthusiast who teaches students the complicated birth of Hip-Hop in the Bronx of New York in America, in part to Hip-Hops living history that we experience in todays pop culture. Specifically in this class, it was about the women in Hip-Hop and their contributions, exploitations, and impact on modern Hip-Hop culture and where their influence lies in todays state of women in Hip-Hop and what has changed since Hip-Hop's unprecedented inception in the 70's. Her style of teaching the history was passionate, informative, and refreshing, reminding me of why my love for learning goes far beyond grades and scores, but real and raw connections through knowledge that makes me appreciate living in human history. Great class.

Career goals

My plans after college are to apply to film school or enter the creative writing field so I have the opportunities to write my own stories and write my own book or direct my own films.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I'll usually spend a night listening to a new album I've never heard before while journaling about my day and the things I experienced or learned. If not that, then I'd be drawing or playing a video game or hanging out with friends.

High school or secondary school

Narbonne High School, Harbor City, CA.

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite place on I'd say is the dance room. I found a love of dance after returning to it at the beginning of the year and it's been an obsession since. If not dancing, it's hiking on one of the many trails leading off from campus to watch the sunrise or sunsets.