Hi! I'm Amani, a Senior at UC Santa Cruz studying Neuroscience with plans to pursue nursing and eventually become a nurse practitioner. I'm involved in student organizations, community service, and labs, so I've gotten to experience many different sides of campus life. Whether you're curious about academics, housing, getting involved, or just what it's really like to be a UCSC student, I'd love to share my experience and answer your questions honestly!

Hometown

Fremont, CA

Major(s)

Neuroscience

Minor(s)

N​/​A

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Indian Student Association - President Youth Health Focus - President BPSHI Health Club - Vice President Cognitive Science Association - Secretary

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was definitely an adjustment, but getting involved early made UCSC feel like home. I've met some incredible people through clubs, internships, and leadership opportunities, and I've been able to explore both my academic interests and my passion for mental health. One of my favorite things about UCSC is that there really are so many opportunities; you just have to take the initiative to get involved. Looking back, stepping outside my comfort zone was the best decision I made.

Tip for future students

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there during your first year. Join clubs, introduce yourself to classmates, go to office hours, and apply for opportunities even if you don't think you're qualified. The people you meet and experiences you gain outside the classroom can shape your college experience just as much as your classes.

Favorite class

My favorite class has been "Life in Medicine". The professors were incredibly passionate about what they taught and genuinely cared about helping students grow, both academically and professionally. They brought in guest speakers from a variety of healthcare fields, which gave me a better understanding of different career paths and what it's really like to work in medicine. It was one of the few classes that felt low stress while still being incredibly valuable. I also met some amazing people, and it made me even more excited about pursuing a career in healthcare.

Career goals

After college, I hope to attend nursing school, earn my master's degree, and eventually become a nurse practitioner. I'm still exploring which specialty is the best fit for me, but I'm especially interested in emergency medicine and psychiatric care. Before settling down, I'd also love to spend a year or two as a travel nurse so I can gain experience in different healthcare settings while exploring new places. No matter where I end up, I hope to build a career where I can make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night is hanging out with my best friend, going for a walk to watch the sunset, and then ending the night with a movie. If we're staying in, you'll usually find us baking something or planning future trips we'd love to take together.

High school or secondary school

American High School - Fremont

Previous college

N​/​A