Hi! I’m Mattie, a Business Economics student from Orange County. At UC San Diego, I’m involved in several student organizations, Greek life, and on-campus work, which has given me the chance to experience a lot of different sides of campus life and get to know some great local spots around La Jolla. I also ran my first marathon here in San Diego, so when I’m not in class, you can usually find me running, at the gym, studying at Geisel, watching the sunset at the Gliderport, or exploring somewhere new with friends. I’d be happy to show you the ins and outs of UCSD and La Jolla, share some of my favorite campus spots, and give you a genuine look at what student life is like here!

Hometown

Orange County, CA

Major(s)

Business Economics

Minor(s)

Finance & Business Analytics

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Triton Consulting Group UCSD Softball Student Manager University Centers Photographer Pi Kappa Alpha

Describe your college experience

Coming into UC San Diego, I had some reservations because of its reputation for being a very academically focused school. However, I quickly learned that there is a strong work-hard, play-hard culture. Students are ambitious and take their academics seriously, but they also make time to be social, get involved on campus, and enjoy everything San Diego has to offer. Being in La Jolla also creates a great environment to thrive in—you have access to the beach, great weather, and so many things to do outside of school. I think UCSD gives you a really nice balance between being challenged academically and still having an enjoyable college experience.

Tip for future students

One of my biggest tips for future students is to be willing to go out of your way to meet people, especially during your first few weeks on campus. College friendships do not always happen automatically, so introduce yourself to people, attend events, join clubs, and say yes to opportunities even if they are outside your comfort zone. Your first week can be one of the most important times to put yourself out there because everyone else is also looking to meet new people and find their community. The more involved you become, the easier it is to make campus feel like home.

Favorite class

My favorite class was my negotiations class because it combined analytical thinking with soft skills like communication, active listening, empathy, and understanding what motivates the other person. I enjoyed learning concepts like reservation price and ZOPA, because they gave me a structured way to understand when a deal makes sense and where there is room for agreement. At the same time, the class showed me that knowing the numbers is only part of a successful negotiation—you also have to build trust, ask the right questions, read the other person, and communicate your position without damaging the relationship. I liked that balance between strategy and interpersonal skills because it felt very applicable to real business situations.

Career goals

I strive to work in consulting or finance industry after graduation. However, off to the side, I also maintain a freelance photography​/​videography gig.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night would be grabbing food with friends, heading to the Gliderport to catch the sunset, and then finding something spontaneous to do around San Diego. I really enjoy being outdoors and taking advantage of UCSD’s location, whether that means going to the beach, exploring La Jolla, or just spending time with friends. For me, the best nights are usually pretty simple—good people, good food, and getting outside of the academic bubble for a little bit.

High school or secondary school

Capistrano Valley High School

Favorite spot on campus

One of my favorite spots near campus is the Gliderport, which is right across from the Rady School of Management. It’s a great place to take a break, especially around sunset, because you can sit on the cliffs, look out over the ocean, grab something from the cafe, and watch people paragliding.