Tag: 24-25: Rohan

College is often described as a time of growth, self-discovery, and opportunity. As a second-quarter student at UCI, I’m beginning to understand what that really means. My head is constantly filled with thoughts that reflect changes in the chapter, the exciting and the challenges.

One of the most important things in my mind is family. Even though I’ve started to establish independence, my family remains a core part of my identity. Whether it’s staying in touch through messages or calling each day, they ground me. 

At the same time, I think a lot about being a kid. College is a huge shift from high school, and sometimes I catch myself longing for the simplicity of childhood—when responsibilities weren’t so heavy, and decisions didn’t feel so consequential. There’s a nostalgic pull, but also an understanding that I’m in a new stage of life now, learning how to balance responsibility with fun.

Soccer is another constant in my thoughts. It’s not just a sport to me; it’s an outlet, a connection to my past, and a way to clear my head. Having something familiar, something that brings joy and structure, is crucial in college. I love the feeling of being a bit tired or sore, it reminds me each day that I am pushing my body mentally and physically in these formative years. Future students—find something that keeps you grounded, whether it’s sports, music, or a hobby that makes you feel like comfortable.

Of course, academics take up a huge space in my mind. Calculus is one of those subjects that demands my attention, reminding me that college isn’t just about freedom—it’s about discipline and growth. Then there’s the next quarter and plans, a mix of excitement and mystery. I think about what’s next, whether it’s internships, clubs, or career goals, and the pressure to always be moving forward can feel overwhelming.

Finally, there’s my friends and myself. Friendships in college are different from those in high school. They form quickly but deeply, becoming a support system that helps navigate this new chapter. I love being around my new friends here, and I try my best to call my old friends from home to keep that connection to them and the feeling of being a kid. At the same time, I think a lot about who I am becoming and who I want to be.

For those about to start college, expect your mind to be full. Some thoughts will be stressful, others will be comforting, but all of them will shape your experience. And for parents, know that even as we grow, we still hold onto what matters most.

As prospective Anteaters and their families do more research into UCI, they may be wondering—what are some things that UCI students are interested in?

For this post, I’ll share a few hobbies and interests I’ve been engaged in recently, including playing club soccer, watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and reading books recommended by some of my family members.

Soccer

Soccer has always been a passion of mine, and joining a soccer team at UCI has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The sport not only helps me stay active but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Playing soccer and being a part of a team was one of the things I missed most about home and high school. If you’re looking to get involved, UCI has club teams, intramural leagues, and pick-up games happening regularly.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Lately, I’ve been watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine, a comedy series that follows the detectives of the 99th precinct in Brooklyn. The show combines humor, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments to create an engaging experience. One of the highlights of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is its diverse and lovable cast of characters, each bringing something unique to the precinct. I am into shows that do not require much attention when watching and where episodes are not necessarily connected. If you’re looking for a lighthearted but clever sitcom, this is a great choice. 

Reading

Recently, I’ve been reading books about influential CEOs, including Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson and Steve Jobs by the same author. These biographies offer fascinating insights into the minds of visionary leaders who have shaped modern technology and business. I find it inspiring to learn about their journeys, the challenges they faced, and their leadership philosophies. These books are often sent to me by my parents and give some nice conversation when we talk on the phone daily. Reading these books has helped me understand the importance of innovation, perseverance, and strategic thinking—valuable lessons for anyone interested in entrepreneurship or business. 

Why These?

Each of these interests offers something unique: soccer keeps me active and connected with others, Brooklyn Nine-Nine provides entertainment and laughter, and reading about CEOs fuels my curiosity about business. Whether you’re a prospective student or just looking for new hobbies, I highly recommend exploring activities that challenge you a bit but also give you a sense of exhilaration. 

I hope everyone has been good so far this quarter, I know the weather has been a bit erratic, but I hope some of you could get some time in the sun. Here is a picture of my roommates and I at Corona Del Mar last Thursday.

As I have been trying to figure out what I am looking to study next I have been looking to get involved in more academic clubs. I went to the Undergraduate Business Association meeting with a Venture Capital Analyst guest speaker this past week. I have been going to these meetings for the first few weeks of this quarter and have found them very interesting, nudging me towards studying something Business or Economics.

As I have touched on in previous posts, I make sure to prioritize my health now that I am in college. I make sure to get a bit of exercise each day whether it be playing soccer at the ARC, working out in the Mesa gym, or going for a run and catching a nice sunset like this one.

Last weekend, my dad came down from the Bay Area for a work meeting here and we were able to go up to Santa Monica and Venice Beach for the day. It is always nice to see someone from home to remind you that you are never alone. As you may see in the photo, there it was pretty cloudy, and moments I after I took this, my dad and I got soaked.

The quarter seems to be flying by, and I can’t believe it is already week 4. Even though these past few weeks have been nice and relaxing overall back on campus, that had to end at some point. I, unfortunately, have my first midterm tomorrow for my math class, wish me luck!

Dear Freshman Me,

Congratulations, you are about to step into the college days that you have seen on television growing up. It is now time to leave the place you call home and start getting settled somewhere else. This is going to be a difficult change, but that is part of the process. As you are venturing through your first year as an adult, you need to start this chapter in a new environment. I think Southern California is one of the best places to start this chapter of your life. I think movies and television shows play college out to be a bit overdramatic, with lots of partying, tons of classes, and loud noise all day long on campus. What I have realized so far at school is that all of these do exist, but certainly not for everyone and everywhere. In my first quarter, I had a lot of free time. It is up to me whether to be productive or not, but I do find myself making small decisions that hopefully help me in the future. College is a very self-driven environment because there are so many small temptations that are faced each day that can break the momentum you create for yourself. The first few weeks of college go by fast because you and everyone else are trying to make friends, classes aren’t too difficult yet, and it kind of feels like a vacation (especially when you’re this close to Newport Beach). However, around a month in, classes have ramped up, everyone is more busy with extracurricular activities, and you may start to feel a little homesick. I certainly did. My advice to counter this feeling of homesickness is to build a routine that you can stick to. Every Sunday I would have a list of tasks each day of the week and would check them off accordingly. This list included attending classes, homework assignments, reading, working out, calling home, and other small parts of my day. Each time I would complete one of these tasks, I would feel more accomplished and it would help me stay motivated throughout the rest of the day and week. Overall, staying busy enough where you feel you are moving in the right direction is a major positive, and this feeling is what has helped me overcome my homesickness. While I still make sure to call my parents daily and some of my friends back home once in a while. 

-Rohan