My name is Porter, and I am currently majoring in Politics with a minor in education at UCSC. I have been here for three years, and I absolutley love it! There are many great places to study, eat, and just hang out with friends. I really love this school, and I want others to expierence the wonderous beauty of UCSC!

Hometown

Concord, CA

Major(s)

Politics

Minor(s)

Education

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I currently work as a shift lead at Penny Ice Creamery, where I open and close, set out the ice cream flavors, and make our popular marshmellow fluff. I get only around 30 minutes to open and close the shop, so I must be quick on my feet to make sure everything is clean and set up correctly for the next opener​/​closer.

Describe your college experience

My first two years at UCSC have been amazing. I have enjoyed the community I have built and meet! The teachers are less strict then I expected, and the friends I have meet have made me feel very welcomed. From the late night chats to playing sports and hitting the gym, I have really enjoyed my first 2 years at UCSC!

Tip for future students

My tip for future students is, make time for friends and family, but also make sure you are on top of your academics. The great thing about one's undergrad, is that you have a lot of free time. Learning to use that free time effectively is something I would focus on.

Favorite class

My favorite class was a politics writing seminar I took fall quarter 2025. It taught me how to be a better writer, and prepared me for any future politics or education course. I learned how to adapt to what a teacher may or may not want, or if a teacher wants a specific writing style.

Career goals

I hope to either get a masters degree in public policy or an education masters with a teaching credental. My goal is to become a social studies teacher! I really love learning and feedback, I want to give my knowlege away to others!

Ideal way to spend a free night

I usually spend my free nights resting up for the next day, making a list of everything that I need to do in the morning. I make sure I got everything done for a given day, checking off items as completed. This was especially useful for when I took classes in the spring, where I wrote down each assignment and its due date, making sure I was on top of my work.

High school or secondary school

Clayton Valley Charter High School in Concord, CA.

Previous college

I didn't transfer, I went straight to UCSC from high school.