Hello! My name is Gavin. I am third year Marshall College student with a major in Political Science and a minor in Urban Studies and Planning! Since coming to UCSD, I have become very involved on campus whether its been playing guitar in a student band, researching California State policy for the Triton Lobby Corps., surfing at La Jolla Shores, acting with Company 157, or exploring all the campus eateries with friends! UCSD has so much to offer and I would be happy to share with you the best study spots, the school's unique history and art (that many students don't know about), the best places to eat or grab coffee, student culture and how to get involved, as well as my tips to exploring all that San Diego has to offer! Having lived on campus for 2 years and now off campus, I can attest to both experiences. I have friends from various majors and colleges and I can speak to their experiences as well. I am open to making this tour personalized to your major, interest, or if there is any specific spot that you would like to see. I look forward to hosting you!

Hometown

Folsom, CA

Major(s)

Political Science

Minor(s)

Urban Studies and Planning

Clubs, organizations & involvement

On Campus: - Triton Lobby Corps. as the State Policy Analyst and Lobbyist - Triton Democrats, Internal Vice President, Member - Alpha Epsilon Pi, fraternity board member - Company 157, actor and assistant stage manager - Lead Guitarist in Student Band which performed on campus - Intramural Soccer Team for a quarter Off Campus: - Legal Aid Clinic in Downtown San Diego - Intern for Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer's Campaign 2024 - San Diego Regional Director for California College Democrats

Describe your college experience

I have really enjoyed my time so far at UCSD. Immediately as I got to campus, I spent time with friends exploring all the different colleges which feels like our own walkable city and going to the beach frequently. Classes have been really engaging with great professors and learning opportunities. We have great food options on campus and I incredibly appreciate the school's connectedness to San Diego which allows for internship opportunities as well as exploring the city. Every week or two, I make a point of going to the beach where I've learned to surf as well as spend time with friends.

Tip for future students

Make effort to find people or organizations who are going to support you and who are going to help you find fun activities and things to do. Really engage with your classes and do the readings, you will learn a lot more!

Favorite class

My favorite class has been "Urban Challenges: Homelessness in San Diego" through the Urban Studies and Planning Department. The course was a two quarter series in which the first class discussed the history of US Housing Policy and systemic reasons for the large homelessness crisis today. During the first class, we also had two class retreats including a class bonding at the Martin Johnson House overlooking the ocean and a visit to Father Joe's (a large complex of homelessness services in Downtown). The second course was research oriented focusing on trauma-informed interviews with participants at the Safe Sleeping Site in Balboa Park and Shoreline Community Services in Pacific Beach, to support the work of the UCSD Homelessness Hub.

Career goals

I hope to one day work in either policy development or human rights law!

Ideal way to spend a free night

On a free night, I would typically go somewhere in San Diego whether it's catching a sunset at La Jolla Shores, going to get tacos in the Gaslamp District, grabbing some ramen on Convoy Street, or just having a movie​/​game night in one of my friend's dorms.

High school or secondary school

Vista del Lago High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the Old Student Center which hosts a lot of the school's activist history. Some of the best food and coffee can be found here as well as a smaller book store, a general store, a bike shop, the radio station, and is all around a great study spot. There is a lot of great art including with the Graffiti Art space.