Louie Xpressions

Alpha Phi Omega @ UCD Iota Phi Chapter F2K18 Louie term

[louiexpressions]

Wyatt Dias | English | 2nd year 

What was your AIM screenname? Why did you choose it? If you didn't have one tell us what your first email address was :) (don't include @___.com)

I never used AIM, so no screenname. My first email was wyatt.dias. Yep, very original.

What's your favorite thing about your big(s)? Why?

I can't say that I know my big all too well yet, but I think my favorite thing about her is that she seems to care a lot and is very considerate. I think that she shows these qualities in the way she interacts with others as well as her efforts as a big (I mean, my stuffed Gandalf looks so damn good, I thought it was ordered online). In any case, I hope to learn more about her and become closer with her as this term continues!

What is the weirdest scar you have and how did you get it?

I have a tiny scar on my thumb that I got from accidentally cutting myself while grating cheese. I'm kind of a badass if you couldn't tell.

What’s the most stress relieving thing you can get/do for less than 20$?

For 20$, you can buy a drink of choice and a good book to settle into!

List 5 things on your wish list for Christmas?

I don't really need anything for Christmas, but some nice luxury items that I would like are: a bigger rice cooker, an electric blanket, a pair of slippers, a new set of pillow sheets, and a pair of new gym shoes.

What's the most important thing you've learned through pledging so far?

I would say that the most important thing that I've learned throughout the pledging process so far is the capability to appreciate the diversity of others, particularly my pledge brothers, as well as those in the fraternity. Initially, I felt as if there were an insurmountable cultural dichotomy between me and the other members of the fraternity, however, this proved to be a flawed mindset. Nonetheless, this faulty way of thinking prevented me from coming out to several events earlier on in the term, as I felt like I was too different to fit in. Because I didn’t pledge with anyone I knew coming into the term, I felt uncomfortable trying to surpass that fundamental level of cordiality. However, this all changed during the pledge retreat, and although the differences that I first perceived were still there, they weren’t as significant of a barrier as I once thought. Each person has their own unique traits and interesting quirks, and they should be viewed as virtues to cherish rather than vices to admonish. Even now, I’m close friends with people who I never thought I would be fond of, and it serves as an insistent reminder that confining myself to a homogenous environment prevents me from valuing the variety that life has to offer. Being able to grow as a person entails being able to accept those from disparate backgrounds and influences. As a result, I believe that my life has been enriched from interacting with so many diverse, intriguing people that I never would have gotten to know had I been more dismissive.

[louiexpressions]

Jessica Servin | Biological Sciences | 3rd year 

What was your AIM screenname? Why did you choose it? If you didn't have one tell us what your first email address was :) (don't include @___.com)

 I didn’t have an AIM screenname, but I do remember my first email address, which consisted of “bunny” and a set of numbers after. This was because I used to play soccer during middle school/high school and my favorite team is Cruz Azul, and their mascot was a bunny. So while playing for a team, my nickname was “conejita” which was bunny in Spanish.  

What's your favorite thing about your big(s)? Why? 

I really like her personality as we can find some commonalities between each other, but because the reveal is recent, I am excited to get to know her more and even hang out after winter break. :3

What is the weirdest scar you have and how did you get it?

My weirdest scar is located on the top of my wrist on my right hand. It’s small, but the story behind it is pretty funny. When I was about six or seven years old, my mom would have a jar of M&M’s on top of a high counter that I couldn’t reach. While my mom was in the kitchen, I wanted some M&M’s, so I tried to climb the counter and one of her glass figures fell and broke. I knew at a young age that you don’t mess with a Mexican mom’s glass figures, so I was very scared she would find out, that I tried to glue it. While trying to glue it back together, some of the super glue fell on my wrist and as I tried to get it off with a sweater, it yanked some of my skin off… I began to cry, then my mom found out and even though she still got mad, she eventually gave me some M&M's in the end. XD

What’s the most stress relieving thing you can get/do for less than 20$?

The most stress relieving thing I can do for less than 20$ would be to buy scented candles, paper and pencils (can be colored). With these items, I love to draw and/or maybe color too while having some scented candles lit up and nice music in the background. This is a very nice way for me to relax.    

List 5 things on your wish list for Christmas?

1. Spend the most time with my loved ones, especially my baby brother. <3 2. Explore new places with my boyfriend. 3. Catch up with my childhood best friend who goes to Wesleyan University in Connecticut, but came back for winter break. ^-^ 4. Have my mom make me "tamales de cenisa", which are my favorite. 5. Make so many new and special memories.

Tell us a time when you exemplified leadership.

A time when I exemplified leadership was during junior year of high school. This was the time when I joined the Leadership Committee for the City of Richmond, CA. In this Committee we were given the opportunity to create a program/activity we were passionate about that would help our community. I knew right away that I wanted to inform my community about how they are able to defend themselves from law enforcement, since police brutality was very common at the time. I then proposed my idea of attaining many copies of the Declaration of Human Rights and distributing them around my community with the help of some volunteers. The volunteers who choose to help with this will get have a small training session of what the goal is and things to know in case people ask questions. I then noticed that I did not have the funds to buy these copies so I proposed my idea to a program that grants money for ideas that would better the community, called the Potential Project. My idea was then approved and I received a $1,500 grant. With this I bought 1,000 english copies of the Declaration of Human Rights and 500 in spanish. I then worked with my history/economics teacher to give a small extra credit opportunity for students who volunteer in my project in order to get as many volunteers as possible. With this I was ready to begin my project and we began distributing the copies in different areas of the Richmond bart station and a few in El Cerrito del Norte. After this we went out to distribute the rest of the copies in different locations on 23rd street. Though it took a lot of time and dedication to pull off this project, I am proud of the outcome despite the downfall and successes. We were surprised about the different reactions from the community because some were very intrigued by it and wanted to learn more or even take extra copies for their family members, others were surprised and did not know they had all those rights, and there were also a few that did not care and threw their copies in the trash. Despite this, I’m satisfied with the outcome and hope that my volunteers learned something from this as well as the community members who gave us the opportunity to inform them.  

[louiexpressions]

Alex Wong | Economics and Statistics | 2nd year 

What was your AIM screenname? Why did you choose it? If you didn't have one tell us what your first email address was :) (don't include @___.com)

My first email address was alexhenrywong because it is hella easy to remember, and I am not a creative person.

What's your favorite thing about your big(s)? Why? 

There is so many things to like about Mindy that I can't really choose one. However I really appreciate that she can withstand my bullying. I have no filter so a lot of crude things frequently escape my mouth and having a big that does not take everything I say to heart is really great because watching what I say all the time is tiring.

What is the weirdest scar you have and how did you get it?

I have a pretty bad scar on my right kneecap. I got it when I was rushing to class because you know I leave everything to the last minute such as these expressions. While I was biking down a narrow walk path in tercero when some dude thought it would be funny to suddenly step in front of me. Being the nice person I am, I did my best to avoid this ass so he wouldn't get hurt. Insight, I should have just ran him over with my mountain bike. Not worth the scarring.

What’s the most stress relieving thing you can get/do for less than 20$?

Most relieving thing you can get under 20 bucks is definitely hanging out with your friends. First off, it is free! Second, I know I can be myself around my close group of friends in Davis and that really helps me to distress from my school life. 

List 5 things on your wish list for Christmas?

Five things I want for Christmas:     - new earbuds bc mine recently broke so I can't pretend not to hear my brother     - socks, I hate having to do laundry because I ran out of a clean pair     - cash because eating out is fucking expensive     - new jacket would be sweet bc it is getting chilllyyy     -video games! Even though I dont play much anymore, they are such a good way for some me time 

Who is someone you would like to thank in APO that has helped you through your pledging process so far?

I would like to thank my fellow stooges, Matt and Wyatt. (I should probably tell them I appreciate them more often but nah, I'm too straight for that.) Matt definitely made initiation a lot easier for me because just having someone do something with makes it 10x easier. He also put my mind to ease when we were first rushing because I have a hard time connecting with other Asians. I'm the token Asian in my friend group (and I live in SF) so interacting with a group that is 90% Asian was more than outside my comfort zone. His reactions when you bully him too are just too funny. Man, where do I even begin with Wyatt. I appreciate Wyatt for being himself. When I first met Wyatt I thought he was a nerdy book worm with no personality. I was half right. The man loves Harry Potter so much that he was the deathly hollow (is that what you call it) on his arm. He also wants another tattoo from the lord of the rings. (Good thing he was a job) However I was completely wrong but him being quiet, the man is a fucking savage and I love it. I love that we can banter with each other about almost anything even though I am usually the butt of the jokes. But when we tag team no one stands a chance. If you don't believe me, you can ask Mindy. When I first met Wyatt I thought he was a nerdy book worm with no personality. 

[louiexpressions]

Samantha Woo | Human Development | 2nd year 

What was your AIM screenname? Why did you choose it? If you didn't have one tell us what your first email address was :) (don't include @___.com)  

Samanthawoo70. LOL not very fun..

What's your favorite thing about your big(s)? Why?

I love that Blake and I have a lot in common like music taste. We're even going to a concert together in June!

What is the weirdest scar you have and how did you get it? 

When I was eight years old, I was hanging out with my friends and one of them had a moped. I thought I'd be cool and try riding it by myself for the first time. I crashed the moped and fell off; now I have a scar on my forearm to always remind myself about the L I took!

What’s the most stress relieving thing you can get/do for less than 20$? 

Treat yo'self to some good food

List 5 things on your wish list for Christmas? 

Makeup, clothes, earrings, shoes, and Niall Horan.

Who is someone you would like to thank in APO that has helped you through your pledging process so far?

I want to thank my sponsors, Keith and Jason! I met Jason at the first info night and I was really excited when I found out he was one of my sponsors. He’s always so fun to talk to and always makes me laugh. He helped me meet and get to know more people in APO. Keith has also been really helpful throughout this pledging process. He’s someone I know I can go to for advice about anything. He'll always have your back and be as supportive as possible. Jason and Keith both made me feel welcomed since the start and are always willing to talk, get food, or hang out. They invite me to the ARC to join their workout but I haven’t taken up on their offer LOL They have honestly both made me really enjoy the pledging process a lot more and have made everything more fun. I’m so grateful they are my sponsors and I couldn’t imagine pledging without them as my support. I love you both!!!

[louiexpressions]

Lilianne Thai | Biological Sciences | 1st year 

Have you ever sent an embarrassing text message to the wrong person? What was the message?

It wasn’t a specific message, but one time this girl subtweeted something that I thought was about my friend, so I screenshotted it. I meant to send it to the friend but INSTEAD I sent it to the girl who had tweeted....hhahashahahha I forgot how I played it off but funny enough we are very good friends now. :)

If you could make a rule for a day and everyone has to follow it, what would the rule be?

Everyone has to do a random act of kindness to a stranger. Everyone is fighting there own battles and a small act of kindness could go a mile and totally turn someone’s day around. If every body did this, the world could be a little more positive :)

If you could be any kind of shoe, what would you be and why?

I would be white stan smiths. They are my go-to sneakers that I wear everyday, and I want to be as reliant and comfortable (to be around) as stan smith sneakers. They also go with like everything. TIP if you have small feet get the kid sizes!! they look the same and are $20 cheaper.

What's the most expensive you bought and why did you buy it?

Call-ij too-i-shon. Me need me eDuMAcaTIoN.

Would you rather live where it is constantly winter or where it's constantly summer and why?

Definitely constantly winter. I hate hot weather and loooove cold weather. I’ll just walk around outside when it’s cold sometimes. But i really like summer clothing. But sweaters!! I have soo many and I’m so glad it actually gets super cold in Davis so I can wear all of them. It never gets cold enough in SF where I can wear a turtle neck all day without sweating.

What's your biggest challenge in college so far and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge has been balancing Alpha Phi Omega and my academics. I love coming out to events and hanging out with my pbros and with the actives, and I have a really hard time saying no to going out to events, even when I have A BUNCH of studying and work that I’m supposed to do. Part of me wants to believe that I can go to events and finish my hw on the same day, and technically I can, but I create an unnecessary amount of stress for myself because I end up come back from the event, I stay up till like 4 doing hw and I’m super exhausted the next day. I could probably pull it off if I just STOPPED PROCRASTINATING ALREADY. okay lemme tell you a story. I had a spanish video due on December 1st at 11:59pm. Mind you, I had known about this assignment since before the fires cancelled school. I didn’t start filming until the afternoon of the 1st and rushed to edit and upload my very bad video ONLY TO MISS THE DEADLINE BY 1 MINUTE CAUSE IT WAS TAKING TOO LONG TO UPLOAD. sad reacts only. anyway the point is all this could’ve been avoided if I had just started and finished my project earlier. I knew secret week was coming up and we would be really busy but the instant gratification monkey just took over ya know (watch TED talk about procrastination for reference. I actually watched that TED talk instead of doing hw hahahah). I am far from overcoming this challenge, but I hope that through my years at Davis and APhiO, I’ll be an expert in time management and I’ll be at ALL the events while aceing all my classes with minimal stress :).

[louiexpressions]

Carmen David | Biological Sciences | 1st year 

What was your AIM screenname? Why did you choose it? If you didn't have one tell us what your first email address was :) (don't include @___.com)

Caraballoc.  My middle name is Caraballo and I put a “c” on the end of it for my first name (I think???).  I actually still use this sometimes…

What's your favorite thing about your big(s)? Why?

My favorite thing about my big is that we both have personalities and outlooks that jive well with each other.  For me, finding someone in that category is hard to come by because most of us in this realm are somewhat introverted and just roll with whatever is happening. There really aren’t many of us that see the world in this way, so having a big that does is awesome.  Although we joke about it, she’s definitely someone that when I got home from line dinner I thought yeah, I can see why we got paired.

What is the weirdest scar you have and how did you get it?

During winter break of my senior year of high school I was washing some dishes (what a way to start a story…).  I went to put a fork in the dishwasher without realizing that there was a steak knife that I had put in there the previous night, sharp side up (why did I put the knife sharp side up?? Who knows).  Before I could let go of my fork, I managed to stab myself in the soft part of my palm below my thumb with said knife.  So now there’s a little scar and dark spot on my right hand.  I don’t know if it’s weird per say, but definitely stupid.

What’s the most stress relieving thing you can get/do for less than 20$?

Step 1: Find a friend (although there are those days when you need to go by yourself)

Step 2: Go on a walk/bike/drive to an ice cream shop

Step 3: Eat ice cream

List 5 things on your wish list for Christmas?

1.  A functioning window!! My dorm has been under construction and our window has been covered in plastic since we moved in and I just really want to be able to look out of it  

2.  Pair of white Vans

3.  New Hydro Flask… my current one isn’t doing so hot

4.  New board games

5.  Phone tripod

What does service mean to you?

This is the most cliché answer ever, so bear with me for a minute here.  Service to me is all about giving back.  To me, service (whether it is community service, helping someone out, or service in any other sense of the word) is a way to thank those who went out of their way to make sure that you have/had an environment to live, grow, and thrive in.  Service is also the way that you can ensure that the community or the resources that you had are made available for everyone in the future.  Paying it forward, in other words, is service.  

I went to a high school where community service wasn’t a graduation requirement. However, pretty much everyone volunteered in some capacity if they had any aspirations of going to college.  I feel that with that mentality, a good portion of the student body lost sight of the true significance of what they were doing.  Rather, they were just looking for easy things to do that could get them hours to put on their college applications.  There’s no passion or drive for what they are doing, there just doing it to do something.  

I think I’m lucky in the sense that my years of being part of Girl Scouts made me aware of the significance of what you as an individual can do to help those who have helped you.  It really showed me the amount of work it took to build the community I have been part of for however many years now and the help they need to keep it going.  Girl Scouts is what taught me to recognize the people/communities that allowed me to be myself, find the causes I’m passionate about, and ensure those opportunities remain available.  

The example I usually talk about with service giving back is my involvement with a STEM camp called Tech Trek.  It’s a week-long sleep away camp for girls going into 8th grade and I’ve had the honor of returning every summer for the past 5 years as part of the all-volunteer staff.  It was the hard work of so many people that allowed me (and every other camper for the matter) to attend this camp on a scholarship back in 2013.  Me returning is my way to thank them for all their hard work and continue their mission of inspiring the next generation of campers.  Being able to provide service for the camp and all 90 campers every year allows me to show my gratitude and keeping the camp mission alive for every new set of campers each summer.  

[louiexpressions]

Kevin Butt | Political Science, African American and African Studies, Theater and Dance | 4th year 

What was your AIM screenname? Why did you choose it?

My AIM screen name was turtledude211. I chose that screen name because my first pet was a turtle and I am a dude and I got him when he was 2 and I was 11 years old.

What's your favorite thing about your big(s)? Why?

My favorite thing about my BIGS is how much they care about me and the unconditional support and love. Tony was willing to drive up 6+ hours to make it to reveal even when his car broke down. I feel like a lot of people would not go the extra mile in a situation like this. Where there is no access to an airport or train station for over 2 hours and no Uber’s. Also pretty cool he worked for Unitrans and now I do. With Chloe, a similar situation even though she had overnight shifts at work she was still down and willing to come out and make time for me. I appreciate her still being in Davis and that she had another little Wilbert. My favorite thing about both of them together is that they are mine. Cross-Fam is real thing.

What is the weirdest scar you have and how did you get it?

Uhh weirdest scar I have I guess is on the cornea of my eye. I got it from spinning a flag. In 2013 I was marching Drum Corps and we were rehearsing before a show at Mt.Sac and I was spinning and tossed and I looked into the sun and hit myself but the tail of the flag swiped across my face and scraped/cut my eye.

What’s the most stress relieving thing you can get/do for less than 20$?

For me the most stress relieving thing I can do/get for less than $20 is getting Dutch Bros/ Boba. Or for free just finding time to spin my rifle / dance in a studio. I also love teaching at the High School I work at and teaching the Davis Guard Ensemble here too. Pokémon Go also helps keep me pretty sane. But if I had to spend money deff food/drinks with good company.

List 5 things on your wish list for Christmas?

Five things on my wish list for Christmas is: 1) New iPhone XS Max 2) New Apple Watch or iPad 3) Surface Pro 4 4) Concert Tickets 5) Hamilton Tickets

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through pledging so far?

I think the most important thing I have learned through the pledging process so far is time management and prioritization. This quarter alone I have been juggling three majors with 33 units, teaching Marching Band and Color Guard at Dixon HS, co-directing the Davis Color Guard Ensemble, working at Unitrans 20-35 hour work weeks, working and performing with the Theater and Dance Department here at UC Davis, being involved with the Fil-Am in the Big Sib Little Sib mentorship program, as well as pledging has been a lot to say the least. I have had to plan things out very carefully to make sure my reqs got done as well as school work. It is challenging at times to make sure I was able to do everything I have wanted but with a lot of help and support I have made it through Fall quarter. I have learned how far my capacity to handle and get things done can go and what I am capable of. I made the choice to be fully present at PR so I could share in the experience with my PBros despite having other obligations and commitments. I prioritized APO over going to my kids show they had the same weekend and going to dance workshops to perform in PCN. The pledging process has shown me, you get out what you put in and I would say so far it has paid off and I have no regrets. This alone is one of the most important things one could learn in life is, time management and prioritization. Thanks to the pledging process it has help make it a lot more apparent what matters to me and be confident in the choices I make. There is nothing I would change so far about any choices I have made or how many things I am involved in. I also have learned the value of taking advantage of when I have the time to come out to events or get reqs done to do so. I deff do not want to cut it as close to getting the second half of reqs done when Winter quarter starts. I hope to use Winter Break to get ready for finishing the pledging process as well as get ready for the quarter because I know it will be just as busy as Fall quarter.

[louiexpressions]

Blake Castro | English | 1st year 

What was your AIM screenname? Why did you choose it? If you didn’t have one tell us what your first email address was :) (don’t include @___.com)

My first AIM name was ‘XBear’ since I grew up being called Panda Bear

What’s your favorite thing about your big(s)? Why?

My favorite thing would be how attentive he is and how much he cares about my mental wellbeing!

What is the weirdest scar you have and how did you get it?

I only have one scar on my upper lip from a cat we picked up from in front of target.

What’s the most stress relieving thing you can get/do for less than 20$?

Buying mochi or buns in general and watching YouTube.

List 5 things on your wish list for Christmas?

Gaming laptop, Kingdom Hearts 3, Socks, gloves, and Steam Gift card.

Who is someone you would like to thank in APO that has helped you through your pledging process so far?

There isn’t one specific person who has entirely helped me through the process of pledging, but all my pledge brothers really motivate me to do more. I pledged APO without knowing any other pledge and it was terrifying at first. I was really unsure if I wanted to continue on with joining Greek Life. Yet, everytime we hung out I felt that my pledge brothers we’re really making an effort to include me in events. It really helped me become more confident in myself as I worked to establish who I was in the frat. If I had to choose a select few: Mathew, Kevin, Jacob, Winona, Kenneth,  Eddie, and Ana have all made me feel more at home in such a foreign place. That isn’t to say that actives haven’t been a reason for joining. The person who introduced me to APO (and was a huge factor in me going through the process) was Helen! Knowing that I would be able to talk to someone who understood my likes was a huge encouragement in doing rush activities. I couldn’t not mention both Kenji and Allison too! Without them, I wouldn’t have felt that I could be in the position of Spokesperson. They are there to answer any questions I have and to support me when I need a pick-me-up. Having them as trainers is more than I could ever ask for in terms a soft place to fall when I need help meeting deadlines or when running for a position within plexcom!

[louiexpressions]

Matthew Kim | Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity | 2nd year

What was your AIM screenname? Why did you choose it? If you didn't have one tell us what your first email address was :) (don't include @___.com) 

To be completely honest I had to look up what AIM meant because I am very much not a gamer (sorry)!  BUT my email is just my name (Matthew), my last initial (K), and my birthday (2/25). So I’m MatthewK225.

What's your favorite thing about your big(s)? Why? 

My favorite thing about my big is that I have this person to look to for advice, as well as a new friend! I’m pretty lucky that I got Pooja, because we have tons of the same interests and really click well.  I can really see how we got paired up. Also I love my line! S/O to Pooja and Leandro and Shelby and Lilli and Elaine!  Go Cupcake Line!

What is the weirdest scar you have and how did you get it?

I actually have this gnarly scar on my right elbow from two surgeries!  I got pushed down playing basketball in 3rd grade recess.  Turns out I fractured my humerus.  The first doctors I saw casted it too soon, and as a result the bone shifted and healed wrong.  Big oof.  I went to a specialist who had to do surgery to re break the bone and put a giant screw in my arm. 6 months later, I get that cast off and find out that the screw is literally protruding from my elbow.  Had to get another surgery in order to remove the screw.  So that scar is with me for life.

What’s the most stress relieving thing you can get/do for less than 20$?

Before my hips got super messed up (long story), I used to go for runs when I was super stressed.  The exercise would take my mind off things, and the endorphins would make me feel good.  Then when I had worked up my body temperature, I would take a cold shower. Honest to god, there is something about that immediate cooling that melts your problems away.  

List 5 things on your wish list for Christmas?

My Christmas wish list? Ok ok I really do want to cop a Fitbit Alta so I could measure my heart rate and sleep and all that.  As an easily stressed dude I think it would be pretty helpful to get a read on that.  And I want to get some black converse and a few Disney cookbooks.  I also buy those Pop Funko Vinyl figures from time to time, so I’d keep an eye out for Disney’s Hercules or Splash Mountain! 

What does joining APhiO mean to you?

Joining APhiO was a giant decision I made to turn my life around and live a much better college experience.  It’s no secret that my freshman year was rough, and to be honest I considered transferring to a community college from time to time.  I really lost myself and felt like I was drowning in a sea of academics, loneliness, and anxiety.  I also had a really great but very popular roommate, so sometimes the most interaction I would get in a day was people knocking looking for him.  Yikes.  

Joining Greek life was wildly out of my comfort zone, but I knew that I needed the sense of belonging that they provided.  I had never even considered it my first year, but going back to Davis for round two, I knew I needed to drastically change my college life if I had any hope of enjoying it.

Initiation was truly a leap of faith, and it was hands down the most important thing I’ve done all year.  S/O to Alex Wong for pushing me to check it out.  Originally I was pretty nervous, but suddenly people were talking to me!  It was like all of a sudden I was important.  People see me as this nice, wholesome guy.  That image means the WORLD to me.  I really do take comfort in the approval of others and being seen as a good guy really built me back up.  It truly changed things for the better for me, like everything was suddenly balancing out. I can say with 100% certainty that I really love who I am when I’m in APhiO.  

[louiexpressions]

Kenneth Sanhueza | Sustainable Environmental Design | 3rd year 

Have you ever sent an embarrassing text message to the wrong person? What was the message?

I have probably sent a message saying something like “I love you” that was meant for my girlfriend to a different person accidentally. Apart from this, I haven’t really had an incident like this.

If you could make a rule for a day and everyone has to follow it, what would the rule be?

“Be excellent to each other, and party on dudes!” (from Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure)

If you could be any kind of shoe, what would you be and why?

I would probably be Clarks Desert Boots in Beeswax. This is super specific, but they’re actually my favorite shoe (and the only shoe I like that I don’t have), and they kind of fit my personality. I love versatility and utility in most things, and I feel like those desert boots are equal parts, stylish, classy, casual, and useful (if you combine it with the right outfits of course). That and they can be repaired, so it’s made even more versatile.

What's the most expensive thing you bought and why did you buy it?

Probably all of the drum sticks I’ve ever used and broken during my 7 years as a percussionist. I bought all of them for the love of the instruments, and because I go hard when I play, so they break like chopsticks.

Would you rather live where it is constantly winter or where it's constantly summer and why?

I’d rather live in a place where it’s constantly winter. Coming from Southern California, it genuinely seems that there’s only hot and cold weather, and that cold weather only lasts for maybe 3 months; those months are by far my favorite. Also, it’s easier to dress for cold weather than for hot weather. All you would need are more layers or better layers. I guess I’m also just tired of the SoCal heat too, so cold weather’s a nice change of pace!

What's your biggest mistake and how did it affect you?

I’m not sure if it qualifies as a mistake persay, but I hang on very tightly to the knowledge that I’ve hurt people before. I think constantly about and remember those people, whether it be through a simple “no”, by my own choice, or even indirectly. I’ve always had trouble letting things like this go; I was raised to try to always treat everyone I come across really warmly and genuinely, and I feel like I’ve done an okay job of it thus far. It has resulted in a lot of fruitful relationships and kinships. However, I have hurt a few people in my life, and I guess my mistake starts with reflecting on it so much. I know much better than to dwell on what has passed, but having been on the receiving end a lot of the time, it’s difficult for me to not think about it. In terms of how it’s affected me, it’s provided me a lot of unnecessary anxiety or sadness, but by that same token, it’s pushed me to be a better person than I was yesterday. I use those memories and those individuals as reminders that I can hopefully put more good back into the lives of others, rather than to speak or work entirely in my own interests. However impossible it actually is to not hurt others, it’s still a motivating goal in my everyday life, and it’s helped me to gain a lot more perspective into others as well as myself; it’s also helped me gain some insight into what being hermeneutical means, which is a really big philosophical word for being empathetic and trying to genuinely understand something or someone.

[louiexpressions]

Anna Truong | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 1st year 

Have you ever sent an embarrassing text message to the wrong person? What was the message?

I’m not embarassing; I never have embarrassing moments. JK. I don’t recall anything at the moment, so I say no.

If you could make a rule for a day and everyone has to follow it, what would the rule be?

If I had to make a rule for a day, it’d probably be that we would have to go back in time to the days where there was no technology, so that people would be able to interact with each other rather than through a phone/computer screen.

If you could be any kind of shoe, what would you be and why?

I’d be those nice ass Gucci shoes because I’m too poor to even walk into their store. I’ve always wanted to go inside, but apparently I’m not qualified enough. In SF, there’s a Gucci store downtown, and whenever I’m with my friends, I always tell them to go inside with me, but they tell me that it’s not possible. But one day…  

What's the most expensive you bought and why did you buy it?

I buy a lot of things. I bought my trip to “Canada” which was actually a trip to China and Canada, but we don’t talk about that… but if we’re talking about materialistic, singular things, hmmm, probably my camera. I bought it on black friday, but it was still expensive. :( Since I’m going to Japan next year, I thought it’d be the perfect time to buy it. Plus, I’ve always wanted one.

Would you rather live where it is constantly winter or where it's constantly summer and why?

Aw man, that’s hard to answer. I like summer because there’s no school and I can do whatever whenever, and sleep in, but I like winter, so I’d choose winter. Winter is grate (fite me). It’s the holiday season and I love the holiday season. I love Thanksgiving (very thankful for everyone in my lifeu), and Christmas (I love gifts), and definitely Lunar New Years (moneyyyy!!!!!!). (I consider Thanksgiving to be part of winter)

What's your biggest challenge in college so far and how did you overcome it?

I think my biggest problem in college right now is procrastination. Ever since junior year of high school, I have been procrastinating little by little, but after coming to college, it has gradually gotten worse. I used to sleep at 11pm, but that has been pushed back to 2-4am and I still have to wake up at 9am everyday. Not only that, but I feel as if my senioritis has not ended yet. Although I have a lot more free time, and therefore should be able to learn the ability to time manage, I tend to prioritize fun over academics and things that I should prioritize, I push back until the very last minute. But most of all, I just really do not like the idea of “studying”. In my head, I set a day to study, but something would come up or I open my notes and then all of a sudden I am sleepy. So instead, I choose to take a quick nap which I believe would give me more energy to function later, however, when I wake up, the rest of my day is gone. As the days go on, my priories get blurry and all of a sudden it’s the morning of the test, and I still haven’t studied all the material. I do fine on the test, but it’s always that slight regret of “oh, I can do better if I just studied more”. And that’s how it is for me right now. I don’t do bad, but it’s not great either, and it’s not like I don’t know what I’m doing…  I just have a tendency to not feel like studying which is really bad. And, I am working on that. I think a good start would be to get more sleep and find some motivation.

[louiexpressions]

Sarah Almuqri | Computer Science | 1st year 

Have you ever sent an embarrassing text message to the wrong person? What was the message?

NO, and it is one of my biggest fears. Every time I’m about to send a text I have to make sure over and over that it is the right text and the right person.

If you could make a rule for a day and everyone has to follow it, what would the rule be?

Everyone has to watch Game of Thrones once they turn 18 to learn what a great masterpiece that show is, extra points for reading the books. And those who don’t shall live in shame *cough-keith-cough*

If you could be any kind of shoe, what would you be and why?

Sketchers!! They are not the best looking but certainly the most comfortable, I relate to them on a spiritual level.

What's the most expensive you bought and why did you buy it?

My laptop I think and it was worth every penny spent. I bought it because I wanted something to play games on (suck at them) and to study as well (yea sure). My proudest purchases so far.

Would you rather live where it is constantly winter or where it's constantly summer and why?

As a kid who grew up in Saudi Arabia where the average temperature is 100~130 degree (Fahrenheit, we don’t believe in weird American degrees), I would so rather live where it is constantly winter. I’m sick of sunny/summery weather.

What's your biggest challenge in college so far and how did you overcome it?

Coming to California not knowing a single human being, I have never been to a place where I did not know anyone. I lived in a very small city where most people knew each other and I never had to interduce myself because I grew up with the same group of people since first grade. However, all my friend group who came to the US went to either Arizona or Colorado and I was the only one who came to California. I had the choice to go with them or even go to Sydney where one of my best friends is, but decided not to do so. I never realized how hard it is to meet new people until I came to Davis. I am an international freshman who lives off campus and doesn’t have any roommates/housemates, so this made it almost impossible for me to meet people. By my second month, I started applying to UW, I just lost hope.

Kenji was flyering outside the MU once and I had nothing to do that week so I tried rushing even though I knew nothing about fraternities. I kinda initiated randomly and was not really planning on doing it, but I am so glad I did. It has been probably one of the best decisions I made in college so far. Now I basically live at the CoHo and met some great people I never thought I would be friends with and easily the best pledge class (except for Jake, fu).

[louiexpressions]

Parul Jain | NPB, Art Studio Minor | 3rd year 

Have you ever sent an embarrassing text message to the wrong person? What was the message?

No

If you could make a rule for a day and everyone has to follow it, what would the rule be?

I would install giant speakers in every public place. At random times during the day,  I would scream the floor is lava and everyone would have to act on it!!!

If you could be any kind of shoe, what would you be and why?

I would be a pair of good heels because they look pretty and make everyone feel tall (something I can’t relate to normally)!

What's the most expensive you bought and why did you buy it?

Rather than one single expensive purchase, I have made a continuous purchase. I really like buying makeup, especially Kylie jenner’s stuff, and she literally comes out with a new line every 2 months. Everytime I see a new eye shadow palette come out I just get hell bent on buying it and if you’ve ever bought her stuff you know that stuff’s just crazy expensive.

Would you rather live where it is constantly winter or where it's constantly summer and why?

Always winter! It’s just such a cute season! You get to wear warm boots, fuzzy jackets, cuddle up in blankets and drink hot cocoa and there’s Christmas! How could it get any better?

What's your biggest challenge in college so far and how did you overcome it? 

In my entire life in college so far, the biggest challenge that I’ve ever faced is just the fact that I’m so far away from my family and home.

I’m an only child so I’ve always been pretty attached to my parents. When I was in high school and still going through my teenage phase, I thought there wouldn’t be anything better other than being able to move away and  being independent so I could have all the freedom I wanted.

However, since I’ve moved here I realised just how dependant I was on my mom for everything. Even little things like cooking food, keeping my room clean and just getting around has been so much harder without her. Additionally, my Dad was always the person who helped me with every stupid mistake I made or stressful situation I put myself in.

Now, as I have gotten older and more mature,  I realise just how much I constantly need them. Till date, every time a small problem occurs, like arguing with a friend, I always end up calling them and needing their help to deal with situations.

I would say that living by myself has definitely been the biggest learning experience of my life. However, I still often go through moments when I’m just too this is a little awkward still, idk how much you want me to omit but yeeee

[louiexpressions]

Gray Ma | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | 4th year 

Have you ever sent an embarrassing text message to the wrong person? What was the message?

Yes, I have! During winter quarter 2017, my CHN 003BL professor have decided for us to use WeChat to post hw and news about class and I accidentally posted a picture of my masterpiece: my three-headed friend puking at a party. To this day, my professor still ask me about him and wants to advised him not to drink too much.

If you could make a rule for a day and everyone has to follow it, what would the rule be?

“Monday work out/playing a sport” Day

If you could be any kind of shoe, what would you be and why?

Adidas Ultra Boost 4.0 Chinese New Year edition, because (1) I have a pair (2) I like red (3) I’m tradition yet modern.

What's the most expensive you bought and why did you buy it?

2015 Nissan Rogue Select, need it for school! Technically it’s my college fund from my late great grandparents from my dad side. I mean it’s under my name and I’m able to use it until I’m 18.

Idk if it count. If not, then Korean BBQ ($1200).

Would you rather live where it is constantly winter or where it's constantly summer and why?

Winter;  when I exercise, I won’t sweat as much!!

What's your biggest mistake and how did it affect you?

My biggest mistake is when during my high school years, I’ve followed my “friends” around like sticking with the group and picking classes together; however I was discouraged of all other events that looks fun like joining volleyball and running for Finance of our class. I’ve  never done anything because of my mindset of just following my “friends” around. In addition, I followed their advice on picking the right major and picking colleges thinking that they know everything (but they don’t). They wanted me to choose biomedical engineer because they know I want to be in the science field. At that time, I didn’t know it would be the hardest major to pick in the science field so I did not get into any UCs. I felt really bad after receiving those rejection letters and didn’t want to talk to anyone; however I cheered for my “friends” who got into their dream college.

It affected very much because at that time, I was so shy I stayed behind my “friends” the whole time. I wasn’t living in any moments and it wasn’t fun at all.  All I’ve become was an introvert to those events/extracurricular activities and just followed my “friends” around. I found out after high school they weren’t my friends because they do not want to contact me anymore. It hurts to know about this and that I have wasted 3-4 years of my life, the most important years, on them and I felt really stupid. Without them, I could have joined sport teams, other clubs and even get into an UC right after high school.

[louiexpressions]

Meghan Sinn | Biotech | 2nd year 

Have you ever sent an embarrassing text message to the wrong person? What was the message?

LOL I was trying to show my friend a picture of the guy I was crushing on and I accidentally sent the screenshot to the guy instead because I was talking to him at the same time and yea I couldn't save myself from that one :/ 

If you could make a rule for a day and everyone has to follow it, what would the rule be?

If I could make a rule for a day I think it would be to have everyone do one thing that will make someone else's day. People don't realize that even the smallest thing you do for someone who is having a bad day can impact their life tremendously if you just take a little time out of your day and a little good out of your heart. I know it's cheesy but I'm a pretty cheesy person lmao

If you could be any kind of shoe, what would you be and why?

If I could be a shoe, I would probably be a flip-flop. I feel like I'm pretty open and most people can see the type of person I am without having to talk to me much. At the same time, I also feel like I'm a very casual and laid-back person. The flip-flop is like a go-to casual shoe like how I am most of my friends' go-to person cause they know I'm always down to do things because I have nothing else to do LOL 

What's the most expensive you bought and why did you buy it? 

The most expensive thing I have ever bought was my laptop. I had another laptop at the time but I accidentally kicked it in my sleep really hard I guess and the screen cracked. I didn't have AppleCare so I just got another laptop

Would you rather live where it is constantly winter or where it's constantly summer and why?

I'd rather live where it is constantly summer. I know most people prefer the cold but since I'm from SoCal, I'm more used to the heat and would rather sweat than shiver. Plus, I always get sick in the winter because everyone else is sick.  Whenever I layer up I feel like a fat marshmallow and feel unable to move my arms without having to use the strength of ten rhinos lmao 

How do you deal with conflict with your closest friends?

The way I deal with conflicts with my close friends is that I don’t. Or try really hard not to. I am extremely afraid of confrontation, which is probably one of the main traits I would probably change about myself. I push problems to the back of my mind even if it bothers me intensely and just hope that everything will get better. This usually never works and I lose a good friend over it because I start distancing myself. Even though I feel like I can talk to my close friends about anything, it’s hard for me to confront them because I feel like I’m starting unnecessary beef. During my time in college, there were multiple occasions where I wanted to confront people but at the same time I didn’t want to lose the dynamic we had so I backed off. I used to be a big people pleaser when I was growing up which probably caused me to make sure everyone around me was feeling okay even if I had to take the emotional hit. Now I know that communication is really key to any type of relationship and am definitely trying harder to speak my mind instead of letting everything bottle up inside me and not doing anything about it. I’m a big believer in the philosophy that whatever effort you put in is what you get out of it. So, in the end, if they really do want to be your friend, they’ll put in the effort the same way you do.

[louiexpressions]

Jacob Wang | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 1st year 

Have you ever sent an embarrassing text message to the wrong person? What was the message?

No because I reply with stickers and text recommended by Messenger.

If you could make a rule for a day and everyone has to follow it, what would the rule be?

Peel bananas from the nub not the stem so you learn how to do it the right way. :))

If you could be any kind of shoe, what would you be and why?

I’d be a left yellow croc because it looks like cheese even though I don’t even like cheese that much.

What's the most expensive you bought and why did you buy it?

I spent a lot on clothes from the Maplestory cash shop so my character could look not ugly and be beautiful like Eddie

Would you rather live where it is constantly winter or where it's constantly summer and why?

Summer but only if it’s the summer that’s around 80 degrees everyday because the summer that’s really hot is too hot and winter is too cold and rainy. I don’t mind rain but it makes everything WET.

In what situations is it ok to lie and why is it ok?

It is ok for people to lie as long as it does not harm your relationship with others or even yourself. Small lies are ok such as if you want to surprise someone with something like a present or a dinner and if you want to avoid an awkward situation that would have been caused if you had told the truth. Some people lie about their friendships when in reality they do not mesh well together but feel obligated to be with them since they have been together for so long, and they feel like the other person needs them; you should not lie about that since there’s a possibility no one really wants to be friends with each other. They are only holding each other back from finding better people. They can not be friends and have a normal relationship. You can lie for the sake of other people as long as it doesn’t ruin yourself.

People also lie to themselves to boost their confidence. If you feel nervous or unprepared you can always lie to yourself and say that you actually are, and eventually you won’t even remember that you were nervous because you were thinking that you were ready this whole time. This is a good tactic that I sometimes use to stay calm about stuff. However, just don’t lie to yourself too much about being ready or you might end up making a fool out of yourself, and this is not based off of personal experience. Also, don’t lie about facts about yourself to make yourself look better like people do in some shows or movies, because people will eventually find out, and they’ll think you’re fake. Slight exaggeration is ok though, since most of us do it on our resumes.

[louiexpressions]

Yeritza Navarrete Osorio | Spanish | 4th year 

If you were moving to another country, but could only pack one carry-on sized bag, what would you pack?

My cutest outfits to take pics in once there and when I move back, my stuffed animal that I have had since I moved tot the USA, some family pictures and laptop.

What’s the most ironic thing you’ve seen happen?

Is it ironic that I can’t think of something ironic? Cause I don’t know lol

   What songs hit you with a wave of nostalgia every time you hear them?

Fotografía by Juanes, Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne, Feliz Navidad

When was the last time you immediately regretted something you said?

This morning I decide to not get up after my alarm and ended up sleeping an extra 2 hours I woke up more tired than before.

    What was the best thing that happened to you this week?

I got to spend time with my best friend and my family which reminded me of why I need to work hard.

What has been the biggest change you ever made that made you the most proud of yourself?

The biggest change I made that I am the most proud of is allowing myself to actually have a relationship with my parents. Once I got accepted to Davis I felt super comfortable with myself that I realize that it was dumb for me not to want to be closer with my parents since according to my friends they are the cool parents (could not agree more now lol). Specially my mom is the one I am glad I finally became close to because she is super amazing and we have a lot in common which we are still getting to know about each other. The moment I realize I was proud of myself for this is when my ex-boyfriend was trying to put me down by telling me that “[I was] turning into your mother” and I was able to say to him “you know what? for the first time in my life I would not mind being my mom. She is successful, has a good job, people look up to her, has amazing kids, and a loving and reliable husband so yes sign me up to be like my mom” Over all I learned with this change of perspective that sometimes getting to know your parents and recognizing what they have done with their lives is just as important as having a best friend or a significant other in your life. Additionally, like mention before they are the cool parents so is I can learn a thing two of how to enjoy life and have fun from the people who gave me life, then why not be proud of that?