Meet Our Writers: Jael
In West Philadelphia where I was born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days… Just kidding. I’m not from Philly, but I was born in Salisbury, Maryland and lived in New York for most of my younger life. And after moving to California in 7th grade, I began to suck at school because I hated it. Literally hated it. So this is the story about how this East Coaster’s life got flipped turned upside down to becoming an Anthropology Honors student.
I did well in school when I was younger (Who doesn’t? Just take your nap and color in the lines, seriously) but throughout middle school and high school, new troubles were thrown at me constantly. I got four F’s in high school and almost didn’t graduate, not because I wasn’t smart enough but because I had stopped trying and needed help. So, like the fresh prince himself, my mom got scared and said, “You’re going to tutoring.” I begged and pleaded with her day after day but she set up the appointment and I went anyway. Eventually, I pulled my smarts together, proudly graduated on time, and decided community college was the best route for me.
At first, I wasn’t about all that “well-rounded students take classes outside of your major” stuff. But soon, by taking classes outside of my interests, I fell in love with anthropology and changed my major from drama to anthropology with a minor in drama. It was the beginning of the new and improved Jael 2000, a person who excelled at school and would become part of UCI’s class of 2021.
I know that’s way too much backstory, but I feel that it’s important for you all to know that if you feel like you aren’t smart enough or temporarily lose momentum, that’s O.K. We’re human. We get discouraged but don’t let your mind be the roadblock that keeps you from your future.
Now that I got that cornball motivational speech out of the way, on to the reason you’re reading this…
UCI is dope and no, I don’t get paid to say that (actually, technically as a Campus Representative I do, but trust me, it’s cool). It’s full of so many organizations, clubs, teams, and events that I wanted to do them all in my first year as a transfer.
UCI is known to play a big part in the dance community with several teams based on campus. In early October, I auditioned for and joined Common Ground. Being on a professional competition team was new to me and ended up being a big commitment but so worth it. I competed against other UCI students and dance teams on big stages like Ultimate brawl, Fusion, and Vibe.
The next thing I threw myself into was the Anthropology Honors Program, which opened the door for me to do archeological work in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. I then decided to conduct my own research for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) Symposium. I received funding from UROP to gather data on the African and Caribbean Immigrant community and their interactions with African Americans. It was a cool experience and I had the opportunity to stay in Washington D.C. to do my interviews and visit some iconic spots!
I also joined an academic Greek organization called the National Society of Leadership and Success. Being surrounded by other like-minded students has bettered my mentality and strengthened my perseverance.
Finally, during spring I became a part of the Arroyo Vista Housing Administration and accepted the position as an office assistant (making this my second job for the year).
Yes, I know. I had a crazy number of obligations for my first year at UCI. I wanted to do it all because I wanted to make my transfer year count. And you’re probably wondering...how did she survive all that? I’m going to be completely honest --- I have no idea!
The people of UCI make your experience better, though. The organizations that I was involved in had great, supportive people who were always ready to help. And because UCI is a first-generation and minority-serving school, I’ve received several scholarships and been exposed to many amazing experiences including winning the transfer scholarship and dancing at the BLAC Gala.
Although last year stretched me, I am so grateful for all of the resources, opportunities, people, and memories that shaped my first year at UCI.
