#iamuci

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 "

** Share what you love about UCI! #IAmUCI.