Hometown: San Jose, CA
College Attended: Westmont College ’24
Degree: B.A. in Communication Studies and Economics & Business
SCHEDULE A TIME TO TALK
Favorite Place on Campus: I have a few favorite spots for different reasons, but my go-to academic spot was the Kerr Student Center (KSC). A lot of people study all over campus, but for me, the KSC had everything: great natural light and AC. For recreational purposes, I love the track. You get an incredible view of the sunset and stars. Not a lot of people know that Montecito (where Westmont is located) has a light ordinance, which means you can see the stars really clearly at night. Definitely one of the reasons I’m glad to be back at Westmont.
Favorite Aspect of Westmont: My favorite aspect of Westmont is the people. Everyone says it, and you’re going to hear it over and over again because it really resonates. I always thought I was just lucky to find the right people early on, but hearing others share similar experiences made me realize how intentionally the community here is built to help people thrive. There’s something for everyone here. It’s easier to experience than to explain, so you should definitely visit when you get the chance.
Favorite Westmont Memory: One of my favorite memories was co-leading the Asian Student Association. There was a lot of work behind the scenes, and it’s not always recognized, but it was really rewarding to see everything come together. A specific moment that stands out was when we went to Little Tokyo in LA. It felt like a throwback to a school field trip. Getting Korean corn dogs, eating udon, and exploring the area was a lot of fun. Shoutout to my co-leaders and everyone who helped make that event happen.
Why do you work at Westmont?: During my college search, I didn’t feel excited. I went through the motions: getting good grades and trying to find a school that would lead to a good job. That was my main focus. But I came to realize there’s so much more to college than just academics. It’s your home for four years, and the community you’re in really shapes your experience. I wish I had understood that more during my own process. That’s a big reason why I’m here; I want to help students think bigger about their college experience and feel more confident in finding a place where they can truly thrive.
Hobbies: I love staying active and playing sports. My favorites are beach volleyball and pickleball (still debating whether it officially counts as a sport). Outside of that, I enjoy singing for fun and playing video games, especially Super Smash Bros. Feel free to challenge me anytime – I’m pretty confident in my skills. And if I lose, I’ll buy you Blenders (a local smoothie spot in Santa Barbara).