Meet our Writers: Jalen — Unfiltered Life at UCI

You may have seen the acronym UCI thrown around, but do you know what this shorthand truly stands for? Most people make the assumption that this stands for “University of California, Irvine,” but I am here to debunk this common misconception once and for all. What UCI actually stands for at this beloved home of 36,000+ anteaters strong is…

*drum roll please*

Under Construction Indefinitely

Let me explain. Here at UCI, the students are ever-changing, constantly growing into themselves, and discovering how they fit into and influence this great big world that we call Earth. Although yes, the Under Construction Indefinitely phrase can most definitely be attributed to many of the different buildings on campus (hooray for more and more resources every year though!), this holds especially true for each and every individual on campus. I believe the anteaters that come into UCI are here to construct themselves into their best selves. You may not know what that end result looks like, but UCI gives us all a construction zone where these realizations can fully come to fruition.

Now, shouldn’t this blog post be an introduction to who I, Jalen, am? How does this relate to me? Well, this concept of constant construction fully embodies who I am at this point in my life. I may not fully know the ins and outs of the greatness of what Jalen is destined for, but thanks to my time here at UCI I know that whatever it may be, I will fall into this greatness and be able to embrace it; to take it by the horns and tame the beast that is my future.

First year I made some of my closest friends, who also lived on campus!

That, and I feel that such was the only way in which I could relay to you my tendencies toward introspection and insightfulness that I believe are essential to who I currently am. But aside from me, the thinker, there is also me, the doer, who has accomplished many things during my first year here at UCI, no second of which I would trade for the world.

As a Psychology major, I have leapt into the world of research, joining two research labs as a Research Assistant for topics near and dear to my heart. The labs have given me an incredible amount of guidance in helping me explore my interests and passions both academically as well as personally, and I cannot wait for what the future holds for this research.

You may also spot me on campus walking backwards and giddily talking to large groups of people. No, this is not how I usually traverse across campus. This is just me on the job as a Campus Representative! I have loved each and every second as a Campus Representative, especially when I get to see the bright and friendly faces of prospective anteaters on my tours. If you ever see me on a tour, feel free to say hi! It makes me look cool in front of tour groups.

Got trained to be a tour guide with my favorite group of people, Campus Representatives!

I also recently joined Soulstice League, which I can say without bias is the coolest group of people on campus! Soulstice League is a triple threat comedy group that provides entertainment for anteaters near and far. During this year’s annual Soulstice talent show, you can catch me on screen and on stage performing my heart out along with my fellow League members. GO TO SOULSTICE!!!

Went to Six Flags in my hometown with my newfound family, Soulstice League!

Last but most definitely not least, this summer I had the amazing opportunity to serve as a Resident Advisor for 56 Freshman Edge and Summer Bridge participants. Shout out to my brilliant residents! Halls 1028 + 1030 forever!! I can’t wait to see the magnificence that you all will undoubtedly grow into!

Loved spending time with my residents this past summer! Here is us having a great time at Newport Beach!

A few more things about me:

- Besides UCI, I also call Santa Clarita, CA my home.

- I am Creole and Filipino, and love learning more about my ancestors’ culture and identity

- I am an advocate for diversity, forever and always (my high school’s motto was “Diversity is our Strength, Unity is our Goal.” Go GVHS Grizzlies!)

- I was voted “Most Spirited” in high school.

- I am a self-proclaimed cinephile. I love movies through and through, and will talk about movies and shows for hours. I’ve also produced and directed an Emmy Award winning PSA.

- I am always down to go to a concert.

- Lorde is the best artist of this universe.

- Jollibee has the best food of this dimension.

But with all that said, I hope you were able to learn a little bit about who I am! Follow me on this journey of self-discovery, growth, and construction as I make my way through my years at ~~Under Construction Indefinitely~~ the University of California, Irvine!