The Second Year

Coming into my second year, I developed a new outlook on my college experience. In a way, this year was the second beginning to my college career. Fresh off the CS boat and onto the major of Business Economics, I had to, once again, adapt to a changing environment. Not only in academia, but I had moved into a new off-campus apartment. Although the apartment was practically on-campus since it was a 1-minute walk from the UCI campus, getting accustomed to my new roommates and housemates was much easier than I anticipated. I moved into the apartment 3 years ago, with my "twin" Ryan, one of my friends from my first-year dorm, an old high school friend, and his former roommate. One of the memorable times I had with them was us setting up the dining table and ordering pizza, to which we sat altogether at the table and ate. Even though the situation is different now and one of our housemates moved out, that was one of the times I will never forget having with them. All in all, my familiarity with them grew and I began to feel comfortable in our new house.

Along with the whole living situation, I had recently transferred majors and was nervous about whether I made the right decision to do so. However, it became apparent that this was the right place for me right from the get-go. Not only was I able to grasp and comprehend the concepts, but I was able to enjoy myself while doing it. My confidence built up from there and I have been on that path of hard work and success until now. I was very happy with the switch, and although the comments and questions of me switching majors occurs every so often, I can stand my ground and explain myself. One key event that shaped my career aspirations was being involved in UCI's Stock Market Competition, which involved simulated trading in the real-life stock market. Being a Finalist for that Competition in the first year I joined was an amazing feat that has helped me to eventually create my own stock portfolio with real money invested in it.

As I've said, this year was a new start. With my new apartment and new major, I began my journey in a leadership role and a part in two major productions. First, I became Secretary for a Filipino organization on campus called FUSION. I could explain what I've learned in detail (which would take hours) but for simplicity's sake I'll just say it was an enriching experience that gave me a taste of real world collaboration and showed me what a leader's necessary traits are (plus other lessons). Second, I auditioned and was invited to being the opening act for UCI's Largest Annual Premiere Talent Competition called Soulstice. Being able to play saxophone for an audience of that size (around 2,000 - 3,000 people) really hit the fact that my talent is one-of-a-kind and appreciated. I was glad to have that experience and become more confident in my musical talent. Lastly, I performed with 200 - 300 other cast members in the annual Pilipinx-American Culture Night (PACN). It is a night filled with cultural dances from the Philippines, a skit, performances of songs by a choir, and an overall view of the Filipino heritage and culture. Being able to learn about my culture was enlightening and fun. So much fun that I continued to participate in it for the remaining years of my undergrad.

There was a ton of crucial lessons learned from this year that I will probably explain in a later segment, but for this post today, I just wanted to accent and look back at what types of events and activities I was involved in throughout this busy year.