Hi, I'm Owen and I'm a second year Precognitive science major with a minor in Geography​/​Environmental science. I'm highly involved in everything to do with music, like the marching band and symphonic band (playing trumpet, French horn, and mellophone), and I try to stay active with all types of IM and recreational sports in my free time. I love exploring the campus, making it a point to go to every dining hall last year, and I have always loved giving back to my community. I was a tour guide for my middle and high schools and grew up close to UCLA, so I have experience and know where and how to do a ton of fun activities in Westwood and greater Los Angeles. One interesting thing about me is that I came in as an Undecided major and explored many different outlets last year before settling on Cognitive science, so I have a lot to say about the departments on campus, and the opportunities that are available for people in all areas of study.

Hometown

Los Angeles, California

Major(s)

Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Psychology

Minor(s)

Geography​/​Environmental Studies, Neuroscience

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I have been involved in Marching Band and Symphonic Band, Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, and Special Olympics Club thus far.

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was a much bigger change than I expected. Initially, I wanted to go somewhere out of state or at least out of city for college because I thought that being so close to home would ruin my college experience. However, I found that being closer to home does not feel boring or more of the same at all. Living in a room with two other guys while being constantly active in class, and with music, sports, and friends, I felt like I was in a whole different world. Since the day I moved in, I have become best friends with my roommates, found people through music and sports, and been successful in both STEM and humanities classes.

Tip for future students

I wish I knew that connecting with your professors and TAs could set you up with great opportunities. Additionally, I would advise bringing less stuff to the dorm than you think because there isn't much space and you probably won't use most of the stuff you bring. Lastly, I would say that you need to account for breaks in your schedule to walk from one class to the other. Sometimes, on big campuses, it takes over 15 minutes to make the walk between classes, and I definitely got caught in this trap during my first quarter.

Favorite class

My favorite class so far was the advanced writing course I took during spring quarter, Movement Ecology of Animals. As a long time animal lover, I felt instinctively drawn to the topic and quickly found myself liking all the discussions about animal migrations and preservation. I also loved the final paper in which we got to tackle a related problem about an animal of our choice, so I got to explore the topic of Asian elephants and their changing migration patterns.

Career goals

After college, I hope to get into in the research scene, particularly in the realm of brain science. While I'm still quite unsure of my exact path, I likely will go on to get a Master's or PhD in a more specific passion that I am still trying to discover.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night would be to go to the beach at sunset with my friends to boogieboard and cliff jump, make a bonfire after dark grilling burgers and hot dogs, and then have a chill sleepover with lots of board games.

High school or secondary school

Notre Dame High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is probably the rooftop of the Mathematical sciences building or the Broad Art center because it usually allows for good views of the campus and surrounding city during sunset. Either that or the area called the Royce quad because of the beautiful fountain, old architecture, and grassy fields.