Hi! I'm Audrianna, a 3rd-year Dance and Biological Sciences major at UCI! I'm originally from the Bay Area and have found a second home here, with lifelong friends and the drive to fulfill my dream career in Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine. In my free time, you'll find me laying out at the park, at the gym, or studying and having game nights with friends! I'd love to help you get familiar with UCI so you can feel excited for these incredible next few years

Hometown

Fremont, California

Major(s)

Dance B.A., Biological Sciences B.S.

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I've had the opportunity to serve on the board for the Sports Medicine Club at UCI and Health EDU at UCI. Additionally, I've been involved in both Physician Assistants Coming Together at UCI and the Chinese Association Club at UCI.

Describe your college experience

UCI gave me the opportunity to transform from an aimless, uninspired student into someone with passion, dedication, drive, and a stronger sense of character and appreciation for community. Coming from a small private school, moving into a larger university gave me the room to find my people and branch out further than I'd ever imagined. Between the friendships I've made and the classes I've learned from, my experience has been nothing short of a blessing. Through leadership roles, I've made it my goal to give other students that same experience. I encourage them to find a like-minded community, and to find themselves.

Tip for future students

Say yes to everything first year, then learn to say no. Coming into first year, I've found myself grateful to have said yes to many opportunities, as they've built fruitful friendships and experiences - or not, but at least now you know what you don't like. Going into second year, learning to say no to things is vital, especially when you need to be smarter about setting goals for your future and taking time to relax and spend time with yourself.

Favorite class

My favorite class has been Physiology. Being able to connect what I learned in science to what I apply in dance - seeing the bridge between subjects that seem worlds apart - was both stimulating and encouraging. It showed me I can keep finding connections between different fields of study, and that there's real balance to be found between pursuing a future in science and my passion for the arts.

Career goals

Combining my interests in both dance and science, I aim to go into graduate school to earn my Doctorate in Physical Therapy, with the hopes of specializing in Sports Medicine and becoming a practitioner who can prescribe movement as medicine.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Game night with my friends - a favorite go-to of mine, where we meet at someone's apartment and play board and card games paired with a homemade hot pot night. Finding the right friends has been a game changer for me, and despite all having different majors, goals, and backgrounds, they've been a lifeline and a family for life. Any free time I have goes to them, as they've been the best way to stay grounded through the busy school year.

High school or secondary school

California Crosspoint Academy

Favorite spot on campus

Aldrich Park grew to be a favorite spot of mine. It's home to many prominent events that I attended during my first year, such as the Anteater Involvement Fair (where students can explore clubs and Greek life), Screen on the Green (an outdoor movie night in the park for students), and Aldrich Park After Dark (an annual concert in the park for students). Between labs and classes, the soft green hills have become a place of reset and rest - many naps have been taken here. Both my dance and bio courses have given me opportunities to explore the park for assignments as well, alongside moments shared with friends, sandwiches or books in hand. Every walk in the park comes with a fond and never-dull moment.