Alex Zhao
Navajo Nation
Program: Political Science
Hometown: Rowland Heights, California but I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico
What do you like best about UC San Diego?
Gorgeous weather, proximity to the beach, and easy access to delicious food but my favorite aspect about UCSD is the high quality of education offered with opportunities to advance your career and personal interests. And faculty members truly care about student well-being. Additionally, as a research institution, students can engage in professional and personal development.
What advice do you have for incoming Native college students?
Take time to develop yourself, a balanced life-style, and have fun. These 4 years of independence in studies and taking care of yourself provides a means to identify our passions. I highly encourage you to get involved on-campus and have the confidence to reach out to faculty and resources. It is pertinent to talk to professors because they not only provide knowledge but other resources like letters of recommendation, research opportunities, and more.
What has your experience been like transitioning from your undergraduate to graduate program at UC San Diego?
As an undergraduate, professors anticipate and expect students to become information sponges and learn about their work and the work of others. In a graduate program, the goal is directed to train students how to conduct research and create/share knowledge which means actually applying the information you've absorbed throughout your academic life. This definitely seems intense and graduate studies are no joke, but the process is comparable to a mental gym. The only way to improve is to push yourself.