Driven by her passion for the written word and desire to empower and spread positivity to those around her, Deanna Tayag is nothing less of extraordinary.
If you can’t find her leading programs or events as a Resident Advisor for a hall full of residents in the Mesa Court dormitories, you might be able to find her serving as a mentor for the Pilipino-Americans in Social Studies (PASS).
It is difficult enough to handle school alone, especially in college, but Tayag somehow finds a way to juggle studying as a double major in Literary Journalism and English (with an Emphasis on Creative Writing), being a Resident Advisor to 54 residents, and mentoring for PASS. I asked her a few questions about her exciting lifestyle and how she manages all that she does. Here is what she had to say:
What made you decide to study English and Literary Journalism?
I kind of always knew I would be heading down the English route… I’ve always loved writing, so learning how to better express and synthesize my thoughts and findings in an institution of higher education has been one of the biggest blessings. Literary Journalism was the surprise, however; as I grew, I discovered that I had developed an affinity for listening. Just, listening to people’s stories and lives — I’ve come to realize there’s no such thing as an “ordinary” human being. Everyone has a story worth telling, should they desire to be heard, and I would be honored and humbled to be the person to share that, should they have me.
What is your favorite thing about UCI?
Though UC Irvine is not without its flaws, I’m very appreciative of the campus’ conscious effort to be inclusive and to try to make all voices heard and all persons feel welcomed. It is because of the diversity exhibited at UC Irvine that I learned to embrace my own roots as a Pilipina-American womxn.
What organizations are you a part of?
I am very honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve the community as the Resident Advisor for Sierra in Mesa Court this year. It’s been hands down the greatest thing I have ever been a part of, and I wake up feeling blessed and privileged because of it, every day. I am also a part of PASS [Pilipino-Americans in Social Studies], right now, as a mentor to a very bright, kind-hearted, and sweet mentee (hi, Caitlyn).
(Deanna posing with her PASS mentee, Caitlyn)
How do you manage juggling everything you are involved in?
*insert internal screams here* I really don’t have the answer to that. I think it’s all about accepting and acknowledging the fact that it’s never going to all be “together,” you know? I know, without a shadow of a doubt, however, that I would not have all that I have or do what I do if it weren’t for the people in my life who came before me, and who are still supporting me and rooting me on to this day. So, I suppose I can “manage juggling” everything I do because of the strong support system I am blessed to have with and alongside me. It’s all ’cause of love.
(Deanna with her “Lola”, who is her, “biggest inspiration, aspiration, and role model”)
What is it like being a Resident Advisor?
Being an RA is the most fulfilling, inspiring, and challenging role I have ever been in, but I love it with every fiber of my being. It never feels like a job, or like “work,” because I love what I do just that much. I love, love, LOVE being an RA. I love my residents. Every damn day is such a blessing. They inspire me. I’m constantly in awe of them. They’re brilliant, wonderful, amazing, talented young individuals who I KNOW and can confidently say will change the world for the better. I know I’m supposed to “teach” them, but, shoot – they’ve taught me so much about life, love, and happiness as well. We’re all in this process of growth and discovery together, and I couldn’t be more honored and humbled by the fact that I get to embark on this journey with them. I am absolutely in love with Sierra.
(A photo of her residents surprising Deanna for her birthday)
What do you hope for your residents after this year?
After this year, and for the rest of their lives, I want them to know that they are more than enough. They are more than the challenges, struggles, and trials they may face in the years to come. They are so full of love, they are made of love, and they are deserving of all the love. I hope that they continue to grow and to embrace the beautiful individuals they are. I hope they believe it when I say that they are more than capable of achieving and fulfilling every aspiration they may have, resisting every form of oppression that may act upon them, and fighting for their right to not just exist, but to thrive. I hope for the utmost happiness, success, and all the self-love to be in their futures.
(Sierra Thanksgiving Dinner)
What are your plans after you graduate?
Who knows! Right now, I kind of want to teach English Abroad in Japan for a year. Maybe intern with To Write Love on Her Arms right after college before that. Then, ultimately, go get my teaching credential so I can become a high school English teacher. I just want to be working with young adults… The passion, motivation, and empowerment I feel right now all around me… That’s where the magic happens. And being a teacher in a high school setting would enable me to be a positive force in young adult lives, to empower and to drive them to continue to be trailblazers, to follow their dreams, to break down barriers and walls. (All photos courtesy of Deanna Tayag)