Hey! I'm Emily, a sophomore studying Biochemistry and an aspiring lab researcher at UCSD. I moved from Arizona knowing no one but can now call this place my home away from home. You can always find me at the Muir sand courts playing volleyball, on the secret Keeling terrace enjoying the sunset, or heading to the game room (in Price Center) for karaoke with friends. I'm a pretty big foodie, all the while being gluten-intolerant, so I have experimented heavily on different dining halls and know how to get creative when it comes to eating on campus! I can show you how to use the Triton2go app, how to customize orders in person, and the all-around differences between dining halls. As an out-of-state student, I have mastered the public transportation systems, and can tell you all about how to get to the airport (and other local spots like the beach and farmers markets) from anywhere on UCSD for free! I can also show you where and how to take the UCSD shuttles that transport you through campus with the TransLoc app. I'm so excited to share what makes UCSD so special! I would love to answer all your questions so you can have as good of an experience as I am having!

Hometown

Chandler, AZ

Major(s)

Biochemistry

Clubs, organizations & involvement

UCSD Sand Diego Volleyball Club — Member​/​Player; participated in club pick ups, tournaments, and bonfires. UCSD Indoor 4v4 Intramural Volleyball — Teammate; played in competitive games. Gospel Choir ​/​ Vocal Ensemble — Participated in performances on campus, at a local church, and in a final showcase; joined an ensemble that met outside of class for additional rehearsals and performances.

Describe your college experience

Coming to UCSD was both exciting and intimidating. Since I was coming from out of state, I knew I would have to step out of my comfort zone to make connections instead of already having friends from the start. However, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I met my best friend at UCSD, and have found a real community through playing volleyball. Every class I take, every place I go, I find myself making more friends and feeling more at home. Initially, I was also concerned about the course load of college classes, mainly because I was unsure of what to expect. Yet I have found that UCSD has also pushed me to become more responsible for my learning and independent in my decision making. I am constantly surrounded by academically driven people who motivate me to challenge myself and lean into my ambition for learning. Overall, my experience at UCSD has taught me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone and taking charge of my life.

Tip for future students

My best piece of advice is to become a regular somewhere. It can be literally anything: a club, a study spot, or even the same seat in a class. I found that by showing up to the volleyball club every day, more and more people started getting to know me by name and soon they became my friends. Even in lectures and discussions, by sitting in the same area every day I became a familiar face to people and ended up forming a few study groups just by being near the same people every class. Also, don't automatically ask the professor or TA a question if you're confused. Ask the person next to you! It's a great way to break the ice and then introduce yourself. And if they don't know the answer, then you can figure it out together which is much better than alone. Lastly, you don't have to be incredibly outgoing to make friends, you just need to create a few opportunities and make the first step.

Favorite class

My favorite class has been Chem 6a. It was the very first class I walked into at the start of my freshman year. Despite being an integral part of my chosen major, I was honestly a little nervous about being able to handle the course load, but learning alongside freshman just as excited about chemistry as me was priceless. I always looked forward to Professor Schurmeier's engaging lectures and studying with my new classmates and friends. Chem 6a was an amazing and unforgettable start to my chemistry journey that will always hold a special place in my heart.

Career goals

After college, I hope to work in a biochemistry research laboratory where I can make discoveries that expand our understanding of neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and ALS. I am especially interested in the structures and mechanics of proteins and how they contribute to neurological disease. I am considering pursuing a PhD after completing my undergraduate degree because I am fascinated by the process of extending the depths of human knowledge and understanding disease at the molecular level.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night is spent hanging out with my close friends, either going out to eat and getting a sweet treat, playing games and watching movies, talking and relaxing, or all of the above! I enjoy being around people but I especially love having time with those I'm closest to and recharging.

High school or secondary school

Corona Del Sol

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is on the upper terrace of the Keeling building. I am crazy about sunsets and I can usually tell when there will be a good one by looking at the clouds and the colors reflected onto the ground. In the beginning of my freshman year I noticed the ground glowing pink and knew I needed to find a spot up high where I could get a better view of the sunset. I was exploring when I discovered a set of stairs that led up higher. I remember running up the flights of stairs when I reached the top and saw the most beautiful and colorful sunset on the ocean just before the sun disappeared below the horizon. This spot quickly became my favorite place to study and relax when I was stressed. There is a lot of space, tables and chairs to hangout, and most importantly, one of the best views on campus.