Major: Psychology
Year: 2013
Relationship Status: Single
Job: Target Cart Attendant, Pentland Hills Program Coordinator
Favorite food: Ice Cream/Korean BBQ/ Sushi
Favorite movie: Toy Story
Name of Fraternity: Pi Delta Psi
What made you want to join your fraternity?
I did not originally intend on joining a fraternity. But when I got to UC Riverside, my friend from high school invited me to hang out with him and he introduced me to his brothers. Even though it was not rush week, I spent every day just eating with them and getting to know them. It felt like a family, something I wanted in college. They did not seem to be like the fraternities you see in movies. They showed character.
What do you like best about being in it?
The best thing about being in the fraternity is that they remind me to live my life. I like to keep busy and sometimes forget to relax. Even though some of the brothers may get me mad sometimes, they know when I am mad and try to fix it.
Describe the transition from being a member of your fraternity to becoming the president?
That transition for me was interesting. I was only in the fraternity for a little over a year before I decided to run for president. But I was already very active in my fraternity since I joined. Someone nominated me and others wanted me to run for president. I decided I might as well run because there were parts of the fraternity I wanted to improve and could only do so as president. I thought older brothers might find it difficult listening to someone younger than them, but that has never been the issue. So the transition was pretty smooth.
Any advice for the people who are considering joining a fraternity/sorority?
Do not just join a fraternity/sorority. Join for a family. If you can see yourself hanging out with the people even after you graduate do what you can to be part of that family. If you are joining just because you want to join something, you’re joining for the wrong reasons. Also don’t forget who you are. Fraternities can change people. Those are the two most important things I tell people who are consider joining a fraternity.
What made you want to become a PC (Program Coordinator)?
I wanted to be a Program Coordinator because Resident Advisors plan programs for a single hall of about fifty to sixty people. As a PC, I have to plan programs for over 1,000 people. So I thought I could reach more people that way. College is where someone solidifies his or her personality. So to be part of that experience and providing a positive living environment was my dream.
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What is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a PC?
The most rewarding aspect of being a PC is dealing with residents. Sometimes they knock on my door at the most random hours of the day or night looking for advice. We can joke around and they understand my humor. I can get them addicted to Monopoly Deal and they play even when I’m gone. I’m able to create a family where even after they move out, they’re still excited to see me and want to hang out.
Aside from being a PC and being the president of your fraternity how else are you involved on campus?
I used to volunteer for Asian Pacific Student Programs on campus. But since I became president, I wanted to put more focus on that and have other brothers in my fraternity volunteer. I also work at Target as a Cart Attendant.
What is your favorite memory so far of UCR?
I am not really sure right now what my favorite moment at UCR is. So many things happen every day for me that it is hard to choose.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
Ten years from now I see myself hopefully in a career that I am proud to say I love. Career wise, I only recently started getting interested in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Other than that, I am not really sure. My plans for the future never end up the way I imagined it anyways.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I bought a Kindle Touch so I like to read books. I also enjoy playing PS3. I just got out Arkham City and have yet to play it. Also, when I am stressed up I like to go running until I get over it.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to Mother Teresa for her compassion for the lonely, Pope John Paul II for international influence and devotion, and Steve Jobs as a revolutionary thinker.
How do you balance having a job, being president of a fraternity, being a PC, and school? My planner is my best friend. I also make sure I get 8 hours of sleep every day and try to be as productive in the day as I can. I wake up for breakfast every day so my day can start early and I just keep going. Plus I am so scared of failing that I try not to make a wrong step.