Fourth year double major in Social Policy & Public Service and Psychology & Social Behavior, Daniel Cano enlightened us on his journey and what has brought him closer to his goals. Though a fourth year, Daniel plans to stay a fifth year to take an opportunity he hopes not to miss: studying abroad for one semester and going to UCDC or another internship. The man with big goals wants to go either to South America to explore the lands that he has yet to see or to Sweden to discover what makes its education system outstanding.
Like for many Anteaters, UC Irvine was not Daniel’s first choice in colleges, but thanks to those who gave him a tour, he was convinced to attend UCI. He was born in Whittier, California and attended school in Norwalk—a school with an abundance of ethnic diversity—until the sixth grade before moving to Oklahoma. After moving to Oklahoma, he experienced culture shock and felt he did not fit into what he considers the suburban, homogenous community there. Despite these circumstances, he was able to build an academic profile and plant the seed of going to college.
Among many other commitments, Daniel is a Resident Advisor in Arroyo Vista. “What is normal?” he asks, almost sounding too serious. To him, there is no single way to define or show what normal means. Being an RA allows him to meet people with different perspectives, backgrounds and personalities. Similarly, his exposure to the diversity of the residents has given him so much privilege, especially while serving as a form of support.
Daniel’s position as an RA is not the only thing he feels privileged to do. He is also a Peer Academic Advisor in the School of Social Sciences. What makes this job so remarkable is putting himself in the students’ shoes and finding a route in academics. After all, Daniel was once just as confused as these students until he received guidance from Kathy Dong and Dr. Castellanos. Dr. Castellanos served as his mentor and informed him of his academic opportunities. It was through the Summer Academic Enrichment Program that Daniel developed his public speaking ability, and confidence. “Whatever I do, I’m going to be challenged and it will make me better.” Not only is he able to provide service towards a change in the students’ educational trajectory, but he is also able to get to know them.
One of his biggest projects is Social Policy and Public Service Advocates, an organization that will help foster people and bridge connections to researches and other resources. Though the organization is named after the major, it’s not restricted to those students in the major, but rather available to anyone who has a passion and needs help pursuing it. “It’s a baby, it’s growing,” is how Daniel describes the organization. He knows that his resources are not as prominent yet, but he has larger visions and sees this as a chance for betterment.
He’s also working on his Honors Thesis on men of color, specifically Latino and African Americans and what keeps them going in higher education despite barriers. Daniel wants to explore their identities and cultures in the university life. This research challenges him because he feels that Irvine has its own bubble, but when he goes home, he can see how privileged he really is to be here.
Believe it or not, there was a time when the enterprising Whittier native was not as involved. First quarter was all about the context and everything felt new to Daniel as he concentrated on his academics. However, he would say to himself and others: “Don’t be afraid to take risks, to get out of your comfort zone.” Daniel also advises college student to not visit home often, because staying outside your comfort zone will help a person become more independent.
Despite how busy he is, Daniel has time for fun. He’s a big foodie and searches for different places to try. He admits he doesn’t cook, but he would definitely learn to cook Mexican food. He was born as a premature baby with a tiny stomach but a very huge appetite. He also really loves the beach; it’s relaxing and fun. Still, when he spoke about music, he sounded like a child rambling about his favorite toy. Music was his form of coping during tough times. Kid Cudi, hip hop and rap inspired him to bring out his talent. He says, “I can’t draw and paint, but I’m playful with words.”
Daniel leaves with this quote from Ken Venturi: “I don’t believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be.”