What is your major?
Bioengineering
What makes Stevenson different from the other colleges at UCSC?
From a residential aspect, Stevenson College does the best job of establishing a true sense of community amongst residents, RA’s, CRE’s, Core teachers, and all other members of the community. Residents who live at Stevenson usually don’t feel as if it is “Us against them” in terms of residents and staff. This comfortable relationship is not only affective in creating a safe living space for many diverse individuals, but also allows for a natural and fun transition to living on your own.
In terms of location, Stevenson College is one of the most beautiful parts of UCSC’s large campus. It has a good mix of trees and woods, while also being exposed to sunlight and a beautiful view of the ocean. Not only this, but Stevenson College is also located right next to OPERs and the east field, making it easy and convenient to enjoy the outdoors and recreation activities OPERs provides.
How are Stevenson students different from other students at UCSC?
I rarely come across a Stevenson Student who is anything other than pleasant, polite, and seemingly truly content with where they are. In my experiences, Stevenson students rarely focus on superficial qualities when meeting new people, and are genuinely looking to get to know people on a personal level. I have never met a group of friendlier people as a whole than the last 3 years of Stevenson students I have interacted with. This friendly attitude is contagious, and is truly enjoyable.
What is the most important thing you learned in the Core Course at Stevenson College?
Issues regarding things such as diversity, race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomics, and other relevant themes to today’s society must be approached with a sophisticated and critical mindset. Stevenson Core Course taught me that it is essential to build off of those who preceded us, but also think critically as to new ways to address these pressing issues.
What activities at Stevenson College or UCSC are you involved in? How did you get involved in this activity and what do you think you've gained from the experience?
I am a resident advisor at Stevenson College, I also work for the Stevenson Event Staff, and I am also the founder of HAS, a Stevenson based organization which focuses on community service work both at the university and the off-campus community. I was able to become involved in the college in these ways very easily, and with the amazing help of the Stevenson Staff when I was a first year. It is quite easy for Stevenson students to become very involved in the community, as well as lead initiatives on projects that they find important. Stevenson Staff are always willing to encourage and facilitate projects of students and residents. These experiences have made me feel at home at Stevenson and have given me a large amount of life experience.
Can you tell us about a particularly positive, memorable or special experience you've had with a Stevenson community member (faculty member, staff member, or student)?
Last year, I took my house camping at the Arroyo Seco campgrounds. This trip consisted of 21 residents, 2 RA’s, and 1 pro staff, however everyone was very comfortable and open with each other. The trip was a huge success, and everyone had an amazing time as a smaller community within Stevenson College. RA’s will often facilitate group activities such as this in order to have fun as well as educate residents on various themes and issues.
If applicable, how has Stevenson challenged your expectations about college life?
Before living at Stevenson College, I had never lived in a community with people as genuinely nice and as accepting as the Stevenson Community. Living at Stevenson, I can be comfortable knowing that I can be myself, and for the most part, no one is going to judge me, or make me subject to certain roles and stereotypes that are prevalent in other parts of society. I know that people in Stevenson are going to appreciate others and myself for the unique individuals that we are. No matter what ones interests are, they are sure to find others who share those interest, and are sure to find that even those with dissimilar interest will be accepting and tolerant of all lifestyles. This sense of comfort is one of the best feelings I have ever experienced in a living community, and has made it so that I can focus my efforts on school, work, social life, and community service instead of judgmental societal standards.
What is it like to live at Stevenson? or, How would you describe living at Stevenson to prospective students?
In my experiences, living at Stevenson is an ideal transition to college life. I have confidence in saying that students and staff here are so amazing that the fear and uncertainty of transition is very short lived. Living at Stevenson has provided for me true comfort and happiness in this transitional stage of my life.
