Hi, I'm Tristan, a third-year English and Religious Studies double major here at UCSB. It didn't begin that way, I started as a Marine Biologist (so I know the ropes across the aisle) but fell in love with the humanities by my third quarter. I found that in these smaller classes, students and professors alike wanted to engage with my ideas. From then on, UCSB became more than a big party (it is) but a place I could delight in my work. Earlier this year I had a poem published in a UC-wide literary journal and can't wait to draft my senior thesis. Outside of class, you'll often find me camping in the Santa Ynez but its not for a want of other occupations. The beach is not overhyped; sunset dips, competitive spikeball and the fishing (my personal favorite) never get old. Not to mention every weekend IV turns into one of the best musical venues around. If you love the outdoors, twenty minutes from campus you've got the mountains, a couple hours the other way you've got the desert, and the coastline is our backyard. UCSB has this rare mix where you can be grinding through a stack of reading on Thursday and be completely off the grid by Saturday morning. That balance is a big part of why I picked this school. So on this tour, expect a mix of both sides of my UCSB life: the academic spaces where real thinking happens beside the coastlines, cafés and campfires where I recharge. I've learned to work hard, and enjoy it, but I also think knowing how to unplug is part of doing well here — and UCSB makes that easier than any university I've seen.

Hometown

Kansas City

Major(s)

English, Philosophy

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Intervarsity Student Ministry, Gaucho Big Catch Club, Publishing Club, Adventure Club, Arnhold Research Fellow, Department of English Honors Thesis Program

Describe your college experience

The transition to college was reasonably difficult, as I did not know anyone in California, much less Santa Barbara, when I moved. However, by second quarter I had found a good group of friends by connecting with others via clubs, the dining hall and class. The following year, myself and a few close friends moved into a house affiliated with the club Intervarsity. My first year in Isla Vista was great, I enjoyed the freedom to spend more time in the greater Santa Barbara area (and its beaches) while experiencing the party culture nearby. This past year, I moved into a smaller house and buckled down on academics. I've found the English and Philosophy departments to be brimming with talent and look forward to contributing my own research this year. My final quarter before leaving I took time to independently travel and take classes at a French University — a very rewarding experience.

Tip for future students

I'm not totally sure about other universities, but at UCSB the best way to meet friends freshman year is sit somewhere new as often as you can in the dining hall. It really surprised me how many people engaged in this; by the end of the year nearly everyone who ate at DLG knew each other! So be the first one to start this trend and you'll be surprised at how excited other students are to meet new people.

Favorite class

My favorite class was Irish Literature with Enda Duffy. Professor Duffy is incredibly engaging, he made difficult classics like "Ulysses," accessible and enjoyable to work through. I particularly enjoyed his infamous, pre-class exercise; an opportunity for students to recite poetry or preform songs related to Irish history.

Career goals

I'm honestly still figuring it out but I just interned on Capitol Hill and I found it to be a really rewarding experience. On that note, I'd love to work in policy making, legislative research or journalism. Really, I want to make a positive impact on the world, while using my love for writing.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I love to get together with my friend group and host in our front yard. That usually involves a game of poker, conceiving our next backpacking trip and discussing the latest books we've read.

High school or secondary school

Shawnee Mission East

Favorite spot on campus

Easily campus point, I don't think a single University can beat the beauty present there. It's a great spot to hang out with friends, surf or have a think.