I Am UCI

UC Irvine students and alumni share why they love UCI. **Share: 1) Why you chose UCI. 2) Your favorite thing(s) about UCI. 3) Advice for new Anteaters. #IAmUCI

[iamuci]

#IAmUCI - Persis William-Mensah

Persis William-Mensah is a UC Irvine biological sciences/public health junior and track and field student-athlete. She’s also an Olympian who traveled to Rio for the 2016 Olympic Games.  1. Why did you choose UCI?

On my initial recruiting visit, I was informed of the outstanding science programs that would be available to me as my goal is to enter either a medical or pharmaceutical school after graduation. All of my coaches and teammates greeted me with open arms and I just remember going back home and thinking that everyone was extremely welcoming. I couldn’t see myself anywhere else and ended up verbally committing to being an Anteater for the next 4 years!

2. What is your favorite thing(s) about UCI?

My favorite thing about UCI is the diverse amount of people I have had the chance to meet since being on campus. One of my best friends is in a sorority and the other works in a research lab on campus. I have met people that are from Italy, Ghana, China, and even just down the street. 

By being a student-athlete, I’ve been able to experience the best of both worlds in the sense that in the classroom I am held to the same standards as all of my peers and challenged to succeed just the same. On the track, I am able to forget about school for a while and focus on my athletic goals. 

I think UCI provides me the opportunity to excel as both a student and an athlete without ever compromising for one or the other and that has shaped me into the person that I am today as I can now call myself a 2016 Olympian, the owner of four school records, and a future college graduate.

3. What's your advice for current and new Anteaters?

My main advice for any new Anteaters would be to explore the things you like to do and capitalize on them because college is all about finding yourself. Once you find the things you like to do it’s really easy to build relationships that will last a lifetime around those connections. 

One piece of advice I would give to incoming student-athletes is that the four years go by really fast, so enjoy it while it lasts!

Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Athletics. 

**Share your UCI story and photos with #IAmUCI on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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#IAmUCI: Kayte Long

Kayte Long is a freshman majoring in dance. 

Why did you choose UCI?

Ever since 8th grade, UCI has been my dream school. This is because of its prestigious dance program. The dance professors are absolutely amazing, and I knew I would thrive as a dancer at UCI. I am also very close to the L.A. area, which offers numerous dance career opportunities. Also, the beautiful location is a plus! 

What are your favorite things about UCI?

My favorite things about UCI are definitely the people I've met. I never realized how fast people can impact your life until I went to college. 

What’s your advice for new/incoming Anteaters?

My best advice to new Anteaters would be to manage your time wisely. Focus on your studies, but enjoy the college experience as well! Also don't take all 8 a.m.s... It’s killer!

Photo by @kaytedancer1 via Instagram.

**Share your UCI story and photos with #IAmUCI on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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#IAmUCI: Rafael Carrazco-Sanchez

Rafael Carrazco-Sanchez is a senior majoring in criminology, law & society and is the current ASUCI vice president. He is one of the student organizers behind Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week at UCI. 

Why did you choose UCI?

I chose UCI because of the world-renowned education that I knew I would be receiving at this institution. When I first set foot on this campus, it was immediately apparent to me that UCI was a one-of-a-kind university, with how it strives to constantly push the status quo through critical thinking and engaging in enriching conversations. What I find even more admirable in this campus as I look back on my four years here is how the community collectively embraces the mission of leadership, and intertwines it into all areas of the student life. UCI continues to be the single best decision of my life, and I am proud to be a part of the Anteater family!

What are your favorite things about UCI? 

My all-time favorite thing about UCI is the lively student experience here. Between its perfect location and the endless opportunities for involvement available on campus, UCI empowers students with the ability to be anything they want to be! UCI has something for everyone, and it is just a matter of exploring all that this campus has to offer. 

What’s your advice for new/incoming Anteaters? 

My advice to any new/incoming Anteaters would be to step out of their comfort zone and embrace all the amazing opportunities and experiences that are easily accessible to them. From athletic events, community service opportunities, attending academic lectures, and everything in between - UCI has it all, and UCI does it all well! Students, staff, and faculty all play a pivotal role in building Anteater Nation to what it is today. By going out and building relationships and connections through what interests us, we are able to enrich the community and are able to continue to make our mark on the magic that truly makes UCI special! 

Photo courtesy of Rafael Carrazco-Sanchez.

**Share your UCI story and photos with #IAmUCI on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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#IAmUCI: Tracy La

Tracy La is a senior majoring in political science and is the current ASUCI president. 

Why did you choose UCI?

I chose UCI out of 11 schools that I got accepted into. I visited the campus back when I was in the 9th grade, and immediately fell in love with the campus's physical beauty, the fact that there was a park in the middle of campus, how much simpler it was to get from one side of campus to the other, and I liked the challenge of attending a school that was relatively new and therefore had the opportunity to grow, expand, and challenge itself in its endeavors. Ultimately, I chose UCI because it gave me the opportunity to be far enough from home to be able to live in and explore a new county, while also giving me the opportunity to travel back home whenever I needed to.

What are your favorite things about UCI?

Because of how relatively new it is, students have access to a vast amount of opportunities to challenge and push UCI to continue being an even better place for all students here on campus. Because of this, I've had the opportunity to learn what makes something a best practice, expand my perspectives and skills, and feel important and empowered because of all the things we can do to help UCI grow. I also love Aldrich Park and the ability to relax or nap there in between classes, the cool sustainable features we have, and I love seeing the critically acclaimed "Swag Man" around campus, especially on my rough days because he's become a sign of luck and hope for a better day for me.

What's your advice for new/incoming Anteaters?

Do not be afraid to ask for help or clarity, and don't feel excruciatingly pressured to get involved in everything you can during your first year. I didn't get fully involved or become fully comfortable with being a college student until my second and third year, and this never hindered my ability to get passionately involved with what I cared about and ultimately elected to serve as the ASUCI president. In addition, try to explore all the things you may be interested in and then when you're ready, narrow it down to a few things you want to dedicate your energy to.

Photo courtesy of Tracy La.

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#IAmUCI: Andrew Hallak

Andrew Hallak, a senior majoring in international studies, has made the most of his time at UC Irvine by participating in the Olive Tree Initiative and promoting environmental sustainability as a Dalai Lama Scholar.

Why did you choose UCI?

I chose UCI because of its location (just a few miles from the beach and midpoint between Los Angeles and San Diego), and it offered interdisciplinary programs that blended my passions in life, that being travel, international relations and environmental sciences.

What are your favorite things about UCI?

UC Irvine provides a platform for students to find themselves, both academically and personally. There are so many ways to get involved and opportunities that aren't available just anywhere. Apply for funding through UROP to conduct research, relax in Aldrich Park in a hammock, study and travel to conflict zones with the Olive Tree Initiative, and of course, walk across the bridge to get In-N-Out.

What's your advice for new/incoming Anteaters?

Four years will fly by so join clubs, conduct research, teach a class, and study abroad! Use your time at UCI to test all your interests and passions. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. It’s great to have goals, but don't feel constrained by them and take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you. College, like life, is a learning process so have fun, reflect often and do everything you can! Most importantly, build a network of friends that support your endeavors and inspire your dreams! Never be discouraged by a 'No’ and keep pursuing your goals.

Read more about Andrew at: https://news.uci.edu/feature/joining-forces/

Photo by Steve Zylius, UCI Communications.

**Share your UCI story and photos with #IAmUCI on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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#IAmUCI: Lloyd Sicard

2016 Big West Conference Men’s Track Athlete of the Year, Senior, UC Irvine Track

“Life is all about seeing opportunity and taking it every time you get a chance, and this is one of the main reasons why I came to UCI. While it wasn’t my initial first choice for college, I soon realized that it was the right place with the most opportunities for me. Those opportunities weren’t immediately visible, but I knew if I positioned myself correctly, worked hard, and networked in this type of environment that they would present themselves among the challenges. Running track for UCI has been one of those challenges and it has been very rewarding.

Through competing in conference tournaments, NCAA regionals, NCAA finals, and the U.S. Olympic Trials, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many great people in athletics. More importantly, I feel that I’ve been able to help build the UC Irvine name nationally, something that I am very proud of. There’s a unique sense of responsibility that I’ve felt as I’ve accomplished more in competition, and while it can sometimes be challenging, I think it’s helped my teammates want to elevate their performances, which in turn helps me strive to achieve more for my team, those who are close to me, and this university.

After I graduate, my goal is to compete professionally in my sport, where your success can be amplified if you build your personal brand effectively. Utilizing the experiences I’ve been fortunate to collect through competing and in the classroom, I feel that I am ready to succeed in life after college, and I’m grateful for that. My hard work not only represents me but it represents UCI and what being a part of this university can do for anyone. To me, it shows that with hard work, determination, and a vision of success, that anything is possible.” 

Photo by Madison May Photography 

See more UCI student-athletes at: http://www.ucirvinesports.com/support/IAmUCI/index

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#IAmUCI: Emily Carlson

Senior, UC Irvine Women’s Water Polo

For over a year I have interned at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, where I rotate through many different departments of the hospital providing basic patient care and supporting the staff in various tasks they need done, including Oncology, Medical/Surgical, the Emergency Room, and Labor & Delivery. I have taken biology, chemistry, and many public health classes that have helped prepare me for this internship. 

My classes at UCI have helped provide me with knowledge that I am able to expand on through my interactions with hospital staff as well as with patients. Many have also provided me with information about effective communication, which is extremely important in this setting. 

As a former member of the Women’s Water Polo team, I feel that the best experiences that I’ve taken from being a student-athlete are how to effectively manage my time and how to have a strong work ethic. Practicing for 4-5 hours every day on top of having to go to school and study definitely prepared me for what is required of me at my internship. 

The work is non-stop in the hospital environment, and coming from an environment where my days were already non-stop has been an incredible advantage. 

This internship has opened the door for me to many job opportunities. I am working around medical scribes and many different technologists daily, and one of those two positions is currently where my focus is upon graduating. In my time as a UC Irvine student-athlete, I’ve been given so many learning experiences that I’ve been able to put together with my working experience at Hoag, which has allowed me to pursue my passion after graduating in June.

Photo by Madison May Photography 

See more UCI student-athletes at: http://www.ucirvinesports.com/support/IAmUCI/index

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#IAmUCI: Matthew Tilley

Senior, Men’s Soccer, 2015 All-Big West Honorable Mention

I chose UCI for the excellent academics and also the success of the Men’s Soccer program. I knew that I wanted to be a part of that success. 

When I am not playing soccer, I am an avid surfer and having UCI so close to the beach is probably the thing I love about this university the most. I love that I can start and end my days at the beach. I can wake up, go surfing in the morning, then head to training and be with my teammates. After that I head to class and finish off my day, only to return to the beach for the sunset and sometimes another surf session.  

What surprised me about UCI was how eco-friendly our campus is. It makes me proud to be a part of one of the leading schools in this field. Walking around campus is always a pleasure. When we travel to play soccer, I’m proud to wear the “UCI” on my chest knowing I represent such a unique place.

Photo by Madison May Photography 

See more UCI student-athletes at: http://www.ucirvinesports.com/support/IAmUCI/index

**Share your UCI story and photos with #IAmUCI on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover: Cynthia Romero

Photos and caption by Cynthia Romero (@cinnynamony), double major in International Studies and Art History, minor in Gender and Sexuality. The photos in the right are part of her #UCISeries project. "So in 20 days I'll be walking into the Bren for the last time. I feel it's time to share why I love @ucirvine. 💙💛 UCI is unique in its manicured beauty. I love our campus and how it was designed to surround Aldrich Park. The first day at SPOP, everyone was told not to be afraid of getting lost because 'the campus is a circle and if you just keep walking you're bound to find your way.' I think those words are infinite with meanings. I'm so happy to have found my niche at UCI.

PS. This is where I promote the Art History Department in the School of Humanities. It's small but yet, so full of caring individuals! It gave me a chance to connect with some of my favorite professors and people who I now call friends. The same can be said for the School of Social Sciences and the International Studies branch.

UCI taught me many lessons about life aside from academics. I learned to push myself and strive. I learned to ask for help and to be brave in doing so. I'll forever be grateful for my opportunity to study abroad in Paris. To live with a host mom and learn the language from scratch. Paris je t'aime! 😍

It was at UCI that I learned about queer politics. I am able to identify as queer and take pride in being an ally to the LGBTQ communities. 🙌🏽 My hopes for upcoming freshmen and transfers is to get lost in this campus. Do not fear the feeling of being lost because sooner or later you'll be able to find yourself at UCI.

#ucipride #IAmUCI #eaternation #zotzotzot #classof2016 #UCIseries "

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#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover: Jaymes Rombaoa

#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover

Photo and caption by Jaymes Rombaoa (@kuyashorty), Psychology and Social Behavior major and Educational Studies minor.

"Waddup! My name is Jaymes Rombaoa and I am a 4th year Psychology and Social Behavior major with a minor in Educational Studies. I am also a member of the Campuswide Honors Program. I am graduating this June 2016 🎓

I love UCI because it provided me with many opportunities. Whether it be dancing on stage with CADC, working behind the counter at The Hill, collaborating behind-the-scenes with ASUCI, teaching my own class as a TA or a Discussion Leader, or conducting my own research project under UROP, UCI has definitely provided me many outlets to grow and develop as a person in different areas.

My advice for prospective and current Anteaters is to never close the door when opportunity knocks. Go to that club meeting, register for that elective class, fill out that application, accept that invite, and actually visit your professors during office hours! There's so much to do at UCI if you look in the right places. Get the most bang for your buck (AKA $chool tuition) and make the most out of your college career!

Explore. Make mistakes. Create. Teach. Learn.

You're only in college for a finite amount of years; what legacy will you leave?

#IAmUCI #UCIrvine #UCIGrad #Zotzot "

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#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover: Tessa Hernandez

#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover

Photo and caption by Tessa Hernandez (@thernandez4286) with her daughter, Hayven.

"To Hayven: For all those days I miss. For the times I'm exhausted and you somehow understand. For the time I told you I missed you too much to continue and you told me to keep my 'glasses' (classes). This acceptance letter is yours, and every other accomplishment is yours bc you are the reason for it all and the one who sacrifices the most.

Little did @ucirvine know when they accepted me that they got the best cheerleader around! My major is psychology and social behavior. I love how UCI divided psychology into 2 majors whereas many UC's nearby do not. When my honors counselor suggested this program, I knew it was for me.

I am looking forward to meeting and learning from fellow hardworking students to grow and gain insight in the field of psychology.

I am so elated and honored to be accepted! Truly a dream come true for me!

#uci #iamuci #ucipride #zotzotzot #weareuci "

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#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover: Raphael Natividad

#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover

Photo and caption by Raphael Natividad (@raffetaffy), Public Health Policy / Educational Sciences major. Photo of Kababayan at UCI's 37th annual Pilipino-American Culture Night. "What do you love about UCI? -UCI is a large school with a small school feel. Even though our university has over 30,000 students majoring in more than 80 different programs, we have an opportunity to be a close community. Maybe it's the whole circle thing and the park in the middle, but I cherish opportunities to see my friends scrambling to run to their classes. I mean a little exercise is always good right?

Where are your favorite places at UCI?

-The Student Center tables! I love getting out of class or coming to campus, just to go sit down in the Student Center. I love seeing student organizations! If they're not dancing, singing, or boothing, they might even be DJing.

Favorite clubs, organizations, events, etc.? -Being involved on campus is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself. My favorite organization since my freshman year has been Kababayan at UCI. Throughout my college career, I've had the opportunity to express and learn more about my culture through the Pilipino-American Culture Night. Kababayan, or Kaba, has also given me the friends that I know will be there for me as I grow older.

Lasttttly, Favorite class -Education 124. TAKE IT. This class, or classes like it, should be mandatory for all students. Learning more about the struggles individuals in our society have faced or are currently facing allows us to appreciate our differences. Multicultural education was definitely a class I will never forget."

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#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover: Jennifer Pearce

#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover

Photo and caption by Jennifer Pearce (@jennifer_pearce_), Public Health Sciences major and Medical Anthropology minor, Campuswide Honors Program member. (Slight edit by @ucirvine) "What do I love about UCI? I love that UCI doesn't settle for good, or even great, but we are always striving to be the best, and this philosophy radiates onto me as a student. I can aim to be good, or great, but it's always my goal to be my best. I want to reflect the university I love in the mark I leave in my undergraduate years.

What pleasantly surprised you at UCI? I love that opportunities find you at UCI, sometimes even before you can find them yourself. Simply attending Soulstice my freshman year led me to join Soulstice League, and then Campus Representatives. Before I even took the time to learn about student leadership programs on campus, I was already falling in love with the role it allowed me to take on.

What are some hidden gems at UCI? Cafe Espresso! (It seems if you're not a bio major or fresh out of Rowland Hall, you don't know what this is.) They have creamer for your coffee and that is all I really want living in a Starbucks world of only milk and half and half. It's the little things that matter, walking to MSTB isn't so bad anymore.

Who are some of your favorite people at UCI? Charles who swipes you in at Pippin Commons (worth the trip if you're living in Mesa).

Why should prospective students choose UCI? UCI is a large, research university with a small community feel. It's hard not to be involved at UCI, chances are if you take a walk on Ring Road, you'll find something to love. UCI embraces diversity and is consistently working to ensure it. UCI is a home to students who want to go above and beyond and aren't satisfied with anything less than always shining brighter."

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#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover: Frank Heyward

#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover

Photo and caption by Frank Heyward (@nottobefrank), criminology major. Slight edit by @ucirvine.

"3 years ago, I got accepted into the best decision I ever made! UC Irvine has been an amazing experience allowing me to gain memories, friends and strive to do my best!

I've been able to become a better me through my fraternity, Campus Representatives and the organizations that I've been a part of, and it's all because of UCI!

You might think I'm overdoing it, but this school has been the best thing that has ever happened to me and I'm proud to call myself an Anteater!

#IAmUCI #Tbt 

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#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover: Elliot Surrey

#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover

Photo by @uciathletics. Caption by Elliot Surrey, film and media studies major and UC Irvine baseball student-athlete. "#IAmUCI Testimonial: Elliot Surrey

I am a fourth-year film and media major here at UCI. I chose this major because I enjoy making films for entertainment as well as for people to experience the vision I have for things. Also, my father is in the film business and was an animator at Disney for a long time, so having that background made me interested in making my own projects and learning more about film.

In the future, if baseball doesn't work out long-term, I hope to be making my own videos, specifically in advertising, ideally something along the lines of producing commercials for athletic brands.

What I find to be the most interesting about video production is the ability to take a series of images and create a story for an audience that will universally be understood. The editing of that footage really dictates the story, and to be able to have that free range of storytelling is amazing to me.

If I were not a student-athlete, I would not know what to make videos about, because being a student-athlete has allowed me to give the student body, and anyone else interested in college athletics, a chance to see exactly what the life of a Division I student-athlete is like and the level of work that goes in to succeeding on the field and in the classroom.

Being a student-athlete gave me my greatest UCI moment as well. Going to the College World Series was unlike anything else, anytime you have 24,000 people cheering for you it’s a great experience. 

--Elliot Surrey, Senior, UC Irvine Baseball."

Bonus: Here’s Elliot’s video from the 2014 College World Series:

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#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover: Dana Tran

#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover

Photo and caption by Dana Tran, graduating senior in Public Health. (@dana.tee) "I love UCI because I was able to really find myself and engulf in such a supportive community... I truly found the best of friends with my time here at UCI, and I wouldn't trade my college experience for the world.

You should go to UCI because the opportunities are absolutely endless! I went from wanting to be a doctor, researcher, news anchor, and now technical sales engineer... And UCI had a niche for almost everything! I was able to explore but I never felt lost!

I ❤️ UCI 5ever.

Peace, love, and ZotOn!"

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Class of 2016: Share your photos with #UCIGrad. 💙🎓💛

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#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover: Bryan Muñoz

See this Instagram photo by @ucirvine •

#IAmUCI Instagram Takeover

Photo and caption by Bryan Muñoz (@thearchitect_org), Criminology, Law & Society Class of 2014 and Academic Counselor – Undecided/Undeclared. "Six years ago I came to UCI, glass-eyed and full of ambition. At the time, I didn’t think this was such an amazing campus. Little did I know some of the greatest moments of my life would happen here.

In those six years, I have faced chaos and tranquility. Yet in that time, I never looked up. I never looked at the grandeur of our architecture (which I think is underrated). Frank Lloyd Wright once said, 'The mother art is architecture. Without architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization.' I think that rings true with our campus.

There are so many beautiful buildings that capture the chaos and tranquility that I found. Blending glass and steel to create truly inspiring pieces. It’s unique, like all the Anteaters that inhabit the campus.

After graduation, I didn’t think I was going to come back to UCI. I had plans to move to New York, but fortunately, I received an opportunity to make a difference in students lives and have been working here since.

Every time, I take a stroll around Ring Road, I look up and find enlightenment. I guess, that’s what we are all really here for? To find enlightenment. So, next time you walk around, look up! You might find something pleasant. (= "

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