Hi! I’m Danielle, a senior and pre-med student at UCSD. When I started here as a transfer student last fall, there was so much to learn, explore and people to meet. It can feel overwhelming at first but after some time, UCSD began to feel like my home away from home. When not at Geisel, you’ll find me at the beach, doing yoga​/​run, kayaking, engaging in clubs, or getting blue bowl! I love exploring new spots around campus and trying new foods. Joining the UCSD campus community has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me and I’d love to show you around to my favorite places! Ask me anything- from academic questions, to what the social scene looks like, my top picks for the best dining halls​/​study spots- etc! Looking forward to meeting you all! Welcome to La Jolla, you’re gonna love it here :)

Hometown

Santa Monica, California

Major(s)

Neurobiology

Minor(s)

Chemistry

Clubs, organizations & involvement

NMDP (National Marrow Donor Program) BEI (Brain Exercise Initiative) UCSD Health volunteer (at the hospital!) Hillel UCSD (jewish social org)

Describe your college experience

It’s been a transition but a great one. Switching from a semester system to quarter has caused me to make adjustments on my daily habits, workload, social life, and balance but it is definitely doable! The professors here are all so knowledgeable, passionate, and highly specialized​/​skilled at the subject they teach. The campus life is beautiful and relaxing being so close to the beach, the student body is overall pretty friendly as well and there are sooo many great study spots around campus!

Tip for future students

It’s not going to be exactly as you expected and there is an adjustment phase at first, but you will most definitely find your place, people, and feel at home. Give it time and study hard but also be sure to engage in activities you love (that is where you will meet the people with similar interests and it will help you recharge!).

Favorite class

Physiology has been my favorite class because it’s been so interesting to learn all the different and highly complex functional systems in our body and how they all work together every millisecond we are alive to keep us functioning and healthy.

Career goals

Medical school!

Ideal way to spend a free night

Dinner with my friends followed by a sweet treat and bonfire at La Jolla Shores.

High school or secondary school

University High School Charter

Previous college

Santa Monica College

Favorite spot on campus

The hammocks by library walk​/​food court area are my personal favorites because I love a quick reset, I love getting smoothies, reading and good book, or catching up with friends while relaxing on the hammocks. The food court is a vibrant social scene, I always run into people I know, find out about new clubs and organizations on campus, and good food of course (i’m a bit of a foodie)! Additionally, the food court branches out into a study area so two in one stop shop!