#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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