UCSD

#FBF SUN GOD 2014:


It's been a year already???



















I cannot believe how much time flies. Sun God is around the corner and I couldn't help but look back at these old photos I took on a simple disposable I bought (since you're not allowed to used nicer cameras at these events...booo). Ahhh the feels ya'll. 

I'll just leave these photos for you all to reminisce with me. Shout out to the U-Crew and my lovely friends featured, Kaeli and Michael, for giving me a night to remember. Freshman year would definitely not have been as good as it was without you all. 

Have a fun and very safe Sun God Tritons!

Rachel

FRESHMAN YEAR RECAP:


Every end only promises new beginnings...












My first year at UCSD is officially over and the feeling is ever so bittersweet...

Time to get sentimental: I am so blessed to have attended this university and to have met so many amazing people. From living with the best "sweetmates" on earth to befriending some of the most inspirational colleagues and professors, I would have never imagined how much one year of college can make such an impact on one's life. I've definitely learned more about the world outside of my little hometown bubble as much as I've discovered more about myself--how much of a challenge I can handle, how accepting I can be of others, what I'm actually passionate about, etc...

I'd like to believe I accomplished as much as a freshman could in one solid year of college: I joined student council, apprenticed for TREND fashion magazine, got a job, became an executive board member of UCS among other things. My blog itself has grown tremendously, all thanks to readers like who you! I've gotten more publicity and have even started on some collaborations (coming soon!). But, I know that the following years are only going to be filled with more awesome opportunities, as well as hardships and blessings. 

I just want to give a shout-out to everyone who ever took the time out of their schedule to get to know me (and feed me). I want to thank my new friends and family, whom I cherish so sincerely despite having known them for less than a year. On a side note: don't you find it so fascinating how much one can connect to another person on levels deeper than what first encounters offer in such a short span of time? I want to express my love especially for those who've seen me on my worst days and have put up with my stressed-outness. Also, thank you to my friends and family back in Torrance--ya'll have always accepted me with open arms every time I visited home. 

This summer is definitely going to be a long one, knowing that I have so much to look forward to in the upcoming school year. Hope everyone gets to spend the most fun-filled summer and I'll see ya'll soon! 

Yours truly, 

Rachel

P.S.-Thank you, U-Crew, for making the dorm-life experience an unforgettable one (in the best way possible). Even though I'll be seeing most of ya'll around school, I'm going to miss seeing those beautiful faces every time I wake up and fall asleep (in the least creepiest way possible, lol). Love you to the next galaxy and back.

SWEETMATES:


How in the world was I blessed
to live with such great "sweetmates"?












roomies <3
Although the thought of living with over ten other girls, all sharing toilets and shower stalls, may sound daunting to most people (including myself), residing in such a space with these people has made my college experience one to remember. It's crazy to think that only several months ago we were complete strangers...

From staying up late having deep talks about our lives to waking each other up making sure we go to class, the girls in U-Crew have definitely formed a friendship that I personally think will last. We've made memories that we can probably recall and laugh about in a couple years and we've learned the best and worst of each other. I'm so glad that I can call ya'll both suitemates and  friends; I don't think many people get to say that. Thank you for your kindness, for dealing with my weirdness, and for taking pictures of my awkward self in all those other blog posts~

There aren't enough words to describe my love and appreciation for each and every one of you. Even though we won't all be together next school year (ya'll better visit Cassie and me down in lowers), I'm glad I got to share an important chapter of my life with the most entertaining, wonderful people. 

Yours truly, 

Rachel
p.s.-you're included in this too awkmanda :')

REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD:


The end of my first quarter of college definitely calls for a celebratory sleepover party...


Korean-style Vietnamese rolls


Our lovely host <3
All smiles--Happy Holidays from us to you!

Has this year been going by really quickly or is it just me?

Through blood, sweat, and tears, I have finished my first set of college finals, ending my first quarter at UCSD as well. The amount of studying was taking its toll as I stayed for countless hours in our school library behind rows upon rows of books and a laptop screen containing as much information as a whole years worth of any high school subject. The only things that really kept me motivated were: the fact that I was essentially paying for these final tests, the many study care packages filled with food from my upperclassman friends, and the 3 weeks of vacation laid out before me.

After completing my exams, I frantically packed my belongings, rode the northbound Amtrak train, and breathed a huge sigh of relief as I was finally headed home for the holidays.
Some of my friends and I gathered and had a great time catching up (keep in mind, I haven't seen half of them since high school had ended). It was a fantastic night filled with laughter, food, and a plethora of perfectly timed pictures.

All in all, it was a great start to this winter break and I hope that the rest of my vacation will be as fulfilling and happy as this one.

Thanks for reading and have a very merry Christmas season!

Relaxing at home,

Rachel

OPINION: TEA, GYM, & BEING INVOLVED


I can make some semi-quality GIF's now!...

Jasmine green tea is da best-- Trader Joe's


Please excuse my chipping nail polish T.T

My go-to workout jacket--from Target

Representin' 

I apologize for the lack of content on this blog-- I was sick all last week due to an intense fever, sever congestion, coughing, runny nose, etc etc...AKA not my cup of tea.

Speaking of tea, I've gotten into drinking more and more of these and have converted my unhealthy iced Starbucks drink days to more body-conscious and herbal teas such as Jasmine and green tea. I think it's the college atmosphere speaking to me, telling me to be more healthy and divert from calorie infested chips and desserts (alas, my love for Hot Cheetos will never expire). With the caffeine included, the teas, I've noticed, have been helping me stay alert in my studies and especially during my Tuesday 8 a.m. class I undesirably get up early for. So, drink tea and one can officially feel more healthy, clean, cozy, and warm. Instead of those energy shots, drink jasmine green tea with a bit of caffeine to help you study. The only time you'll be out of focus is when you have to use the porcelain throne...

Also, I have been going to the gym more frequently even among the chaos of being ill and having loads of readings to do. Waiiiit...Rachel? At the gym? Working Out?! I know, I know, quite a shocker, but I have taken it upon myself to become more productive in my college life (and get the most for what I'm paying for tbh) which also leads to my involvement in student organizations such as: student council (TMCSC), Christian clubs (KCCC/KCM), and others. I think it is very important to take part in one's school community, to be informed, and student council has especially helped me in knowing the politics and events occurring within campus. It's also nice to know that students have the privilege and power to voice their opinions and pass referendums and such to fulfill those opinions. And, having a Christian club to keep me accountable in my faith has encouraged me to remain focus on my priorities in school (God comes first!).

Please keep posted on my site for more updates and thanks for all the support!


Recovering and gettin' ready,

Rachel


BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE?:

  

One of the best nights of my life happened recently...


Sam Lin: aka an amazingly talented violinist and looper

Aijia opening for Clara C


Who else can pull of this costume but her fab self?

I kindadied at this point



Stage list..


Her: "are you going to explain why I am wearing this to your friends?"




"Meet Clara C" has officially been crossed off my bucket list. 
Last month I was informed that Clara C was performing in San Diego. More specifically in La Jolla, and even more specifically in UCSD. I could not contain my excitement and had to purchase VIP tickets (which included a meet-n-greet) as soon as possible.
This past week, unfortunately, has been so hectic: taking midterms, going to different org meetings, and finishing essays were just a few of the many things that I experienced. But right smack-dab in the middle of it all, I went to see one of the very few people that I look up to for inspiration--CLARA C aka the most down to earth, beautiful, and talented artist ever. I discovered her musical genius on YouTube back in middle school and I was completely blown by her covers of "Rocketeer" and "Rhythm of Love" (among many), and since then I have fallen in love with her talent and religiously follow the songs that she herself have written and composed and uploaded onto the internet. It was through her music that I was also able to discover other artists on YouTube such as Tori KellyJayesslee and David Choi.
So, it is suffice to say that seeing her in real life and being in her presence AND standing literally right in front of her as she sang was a near out-of-body experience. She came out decked in a Jesse costume since it was Halloween/her birthday the next day. As she talked about her life and recent marriage to her "fish" (Ahhh, adorable!), I couldn't help but smile like a maniac the entire time. Being able to sing along to all of her songs only added to the immense amount of bliss I was feeling. Her personality combined with her voice creates such a euphoric atmosphere that you cannot help but feel soothed and at peace.
Opening for her were two artists: Aijia and Sam Lin, both of whom were extremely talented in their area of expertise-singing and instrumental, respectively. The night was amazing, filled with nostalgia and awe, but as if it couldn't get any better, Clara C asked if anyone wanted to take a picture for her on the stage and decided to choose ME to do it. ME. I freaked out and couldn't contain my excited, I literally though I was going to pee in my pants. Here's a short clip to show you:



The fish lens she wanted to use couldn't capture a good picture, so I took a video (the reason why I'm moving). She called me a pro and asked for my name *sob*. It was basically the icing on the cake of this concert. I also got to meet her after the show and I gave her the letter of appreciation I wrote and she signed my CDs (I kept my cool the whole time to just in case you're wondering). 
All in all, the night was one of the best experiences of my life and I couldn't have asked for a better break in between midterms. I hope that I can meet her again later in later years, but for now, I will relive these moments and put her YouTube playlists on repeat...

Happy, happy, happy, 

Rachel

**I've included links to YouTube channels within this entry. Please check out Clara C's channel and the other artists as well! Have fun and be mind blown by her talent <3

THERAPY FLUFFIES:


There's really nothing better than petting some pups when you're stressed out...











It has finally been an full week into college and I am already suffering from post-summer laziness. Who knew assimilating back into that work and studying mode could be so difficult? However, I promised myself to start my college years off strongly and I know that a clean slate will give me many opportunities to not only become a better scholar, but also a better person.
I've met some amazing people these past few weeks (some weird ones as well) and it's made me to really look forward for the rest of my freshman year and what good (and bad) can come out of it.
Also, I can't get enough of my college's location and weather. Beside the fact that I'm a couple hours away from home and good ol' authentic Korean food, La Jolla has a wonderful skyline right beside the beach and each day is the perfect juxtaposition of cold and warm. Plus, our school has pups you can pet whenever you want relief from the chaotic student life.
Can't wait to show you more of my everyday adventures!

Outfit:
- Speckled knit cardigan-- Heavenly Couture
- White tee-- gift
- Pants-- Forever21
- Shoes-- Target
- Necklace-- Guy and Eva
- Bracelets-- Philippines, gift
- Backpack-- Amazon

Cool and content,

Rachel

**Special thanks to my suite mate, Michelle, for taking the pics of me!