Name: Ivan Penate
Major: Double major in political science and sociology with a minor in psychology
Class: Freshman
Age: 18
Hometown: Riverside, California
Relationship Status: Single
Affiliation: Kappa Alpha Pi and Phi Kappa Tau
What are you involved with on campus?
*He starts off by laughing, knowing that it’s going to be a long list.*
Chapman Ambassadors, Kappa Alpha Pi, Associate Class President of Phi Kappa Tau, Promising Futures Program, Student Assistant for Office of the President, Legal Affairs, and Career Development Center.
What are the most important aspects of life to you?
Oh, family’s always first. I’m actually missing a formal this weekend for my older brother’s 21st birthday.
Family has always been a big thing for me. That’s the reason why I came to Chapman – it’s only 45 minutes away from my hometown. And being an inclusive person. I’ve always tried to put myself into things where I can bring people together. That’s why I am going to be RA next year.
What are three words that describe you best?
Charismatic, opportunistic, and sincere.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I want to go to law school, hopefully somewhere like the University of California, Irvine, because it’s close to home. If not, I’ve got to go big, like Boston.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love playing basketball, and I love food and trying new foods. I also like hanging out with people and laughing. Watching movies and TV is how I like to get my mind off things.
What would you consider to be a perfect first date?
Drive over to the girl’s house and hold the door open for her. Put on some music, of course Drake – there’s always Big Sean and sometimes some Cumbia or maybe even Enrique Iglesias. I’d take her to a restaurant, because I want to get to know her, and you can’t do that at a movie. I would save up some money and take her somewhere fancy like the Olive Garden. Order the bread sticks and the salad to make myself look healthy, and since we’re in the OC, I’d take her to Downtown Disney and make sure to get there at 9 p.m. for the fireworks. At the end of the night, I would walk her to her door and kiss her good night. You gotta take it slow because it’s a first date.
What is one thing you would want people to know about you?
I want people to know I’m a first generation student. I love that fact about myself, but sometimes people feel bad for me. I’m proud of how hard I’ve worked to be here and how far I’ve come.