Hi! I'm a rising fourth-year UCSB Biopsychology B.S. student who is on track to graduate early. I plan on taking a few gap years to increase my experience, take additional prerequisite courses, and explore the world. I was admitted as a pre-Biology major and have firsthand experience navigating major changes, completing pre-health prerequisite courses for post-graduate programs, course scheduling, and more. I started UCSB right out of highschool and have experience in participating in the Freshmen Summer Start Program (FSSP). I have also taken courses concurrently at near community colleges to get more GE courses completed ! Throughout my time at UCSB, I have become involved in a Sociology Department research lab as a Research Assistant, volunteered at various locations throughout Santa Barbara, work currently as an assistant at a health clinic, and gained experience through on-campus internship. I have also served as a board member for multiple student organizations, where I developed leadership, communication, and event-planning skills while helping foster a strong sense of community on campus. These opportunities have allowed me to grow both academically and professionally while exploring my interests in healthcare and research. I love sharing the beauty of Santa Barbara with prospective students and helping them envision what life at UCSB can look like. Whether you're interested in pre-health pathways, research opportunities, campus involvement, or simply learning more about student life, I'd be excited to show you everything UCSB has to offer and answer any questions you may have!

Hometown

Riverside County, California

Major(s)

Biopsychology B.S.

Clubs, organizations & involvement

UCSB Neuroscience Club, Alzheimers Buddies, Kids for Nutrition

Describe your college experience

Participating in FSSP in August 2023 was a quick transition after graduating high school in June 2023, but it became one of the most valuable experiences of my college journey. It helped me get ahead academically by familiarizing me with UCSB's academic system, resources, and expectations before the start of the regular school year. Beyond academics, FSSP allowed me to fall in love with both UCSB and the Santa Barbara community. Coming into college, I was naturally more introverted and often hesitant to step outside of my comfort zone. Through FSSP, I challenged myself to meet new people, get involved in campus activities, and embrace unfamiliar experiences. As a result, I became more confident, outgoing, and comfortable building connections with others. The program not only eased my transition into college life but also helped me learn more about myself, develop greater independence, and grow into the person I am today.

Tip for future students

I wish that I said yes to more opportunities and events at the time vs. staying inside all the time to study.

Favorite class

CLIT 186 FL: Vegan Literature was one of my favorite elective courses at UCSB. Although I am not personally vegan and the course did not count toward my major requirements, I appreciated the opportunity to step outside of my usual STEM-focused coursework and explore a completely different subject area. The class challenged many of my existing perspectives and encouraged me to think critically about topics related to ethics, culture, identity, and the relationship between humans and animals. I enjoyed being exposed to viewpoints that differed from my own, and the course helped me develop a greater appreciation for engaging with diverse ideas and perspectives. It was a refreshing experience that broadened my understanding of the world beyond the sciences.

Career goals

After college, I plan to take a few gap years to continue growing both personally and professionally before pursuing a healthcare graduate program. During that time, I hope to complete additional coursework at a community college, continue working in my healthcare position, gain more volunteer and shadowing experience, and further explore different areas within healthcare. I also want to take advantage of the opportunity to travel and experience new places, cultures, and perspectives. Ultimately, these gap years will allow me to strengthen my application, broaden my experiences, and confirm where my passions lie within the healthcare field before taking the next step in my career.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night is getting dinner with friends and catching up on each other's lives. With busy schedules, classes, work, and extracurricular commitments, it can be difficult to find time during the week to connect. I value those opportunities to step away from my responsibilities, enjoy good food, and spend quality time with the people who are important to me. It's a simple way to relax, recharge, and maintain meaningful friendships throughout the school year.

High school or secondary school

Temecula Valley High School

Favorite spot on campus

The UCSB Student Resource Building (SRB) is one of my favorite places on campus. I love having a comfortable space to study, attend the various events and activities hosted there, and connect with different campus resources. Its location is also a huge plus as it's just a short walk from Isla Vista, making it easy to grab a coffee or a snack during study breaks. The SRB provides a great balance between productivity, community, and convenience, which is why I find myself spending so much time there.