SENIOR YEAR RECAP

WOAH. 

Last weekend, I traded in my last ever undergraduate final for an overpriced matching cap and gown. I. have. officially. graduated. 

I'm currently in South Korea sweating profusely as I write this recap in what seems to be like 1000% humidity. I could say that I've had a week to process this huge milestone in my life, but truth be told I was having a blast adventuring around Japan for me to even notice this change (more on that later). Now that I'm back in the motherland, I've a few nights to think about it so here we go...

Senior year probably went by the fastest among the four total years of college. As always, I kept myself busy with work, internships, and extracurriculars. I managed to hold down my two positions as President of the Undergraduate Communication Society and as Editor-in-Chief (again) of Trend Magazine all while attempting to reach my goal of straight A's for my last year (which I achieved by the way, PTL). I wrapped up an amazing year at my internship with Allied Integrated Marketing and an irreplaceable three years at CollegeFashionista. I even had the opportunity to visit the CF office in person during my spring break in NY! After my fourth anniversary (yes I've been working since freshman year) at Geisel Library, I said a final goodbye to my wonderful boss and coworkers and we even had my favorite chicken wing party to celebrate. 

All this to say, that although I kept myself very busy trying to finish strong, I was still struggling to grasp the reality of ending this enormous chapter of life and being forced into a new, much scarier one. College had taught me a lot...A LOT. I learned more about my faith--who God is and what He truly means to me. I learned more of what I was capable of. I learned how much being empathetic could change my relationship with just about everyone. I learned how to save money. I learned how to manage a team--realizing not everyone may have the same level of passion as I might (and being OK with that). Most importantly, I discovered more of who I am. They say college is the time for you to reflect on yourself and find your own identity and I truly believe the past four years have allowed me to do that. I realized that my feelings matter and that emotional labor is something that should be balanced between given and received. I was able to think more inclusively, eagerly learning about others' perspectives and figuring out where my place was among them. I dealt with many emotions and even mental instability I didn't even know I was capable of experiencing and then realizing that bottling it all in didn't help anybody (myself especially). I was challenged in my leadership abilities and am thankful for my teams, coworkers, and staff for being patient with them.

Basically, I just learned so much these past four years and I suppose this fear of graduating stemmed from this realization. Here I was wondering what the heck this new vaguely familiar adult world would teach me and ultimately mold me into the twenty-something year old I'd become. I had already experienced some of the most drastic changes in my personal life that I guess I was scared of what drastic changes the post-grad life would bring. How will all my relationships change? What will NOT going to school and NOT having a job (something I've had for the past decade of my life) feel like? How will my personality change? Will I like the person I'm becoming? 

Thankfully, my many questions were alleviated during my last quarter. I made it a priority to reach out to post-grad friends and professionals who gave me amazing advice and genuinely seemed like they cared for me and my future. I learned so much about their experiences and came to the conclusion that A.) traveling right after graduating is a must if you have the ability to and B.) timing is everything even if you can't control it. I made new friends and actually found a group of people who share the same vision as me for the Asian American film/entertainment community (a group I never thought I'd find so close to me). I spent time with people who were supportive and motivating. I tried not to be so pessimistic all the time and I even offered up my two-cents for any underclassmen who were willing to hear my story and how much college had affected me for the better. 

Fast forward a little bit and I'm walking down stage at commencement feeling grateful for the opportunity to be the first-generation college graduate of my family (graduating with honors no less!) and being eternally indebted to my wonderful immigrant parents who've sacrificed their entire lives to come to this country and dealt with racism, classism, and language barriers for my brother and I to have the most fulfilled life a first-gen Korean American could possibly have. Thank you mom and dad, this one's for you. 

Currently, I am waiting back to hear for a job opportunity and am still applying to many more. Post-grad life so far has been nothing short of amazing but that's probably due to the fact that I just got back from Japan and I'm chillin' in Korea for the next month and a half. Although I have no idea what God has in store for me, I am confident that the knowledge I've gained and the relationships I've made throughout college has equipped me to take on whatever life may bring. 

So bring it on world, BRING.IT.ONNNN.

As always, thanks for reading. 

Love, 

Photos By Daniel Lee ft. my dear Ophelia

MY STUDY PLAYLISTS

Finals week is wrapping up at my university and the stench of unwashed hair and stale fast food is still lingering in the air. One. More. Day.

I'd like to think that there are few elements in my study business that have helped me focus and mentally prepare to take a final worth pretty much my entire life (OK, maybe I'm being a bit dramatic. Kind of.) To start off, food is obviously my number one priority as I need the best of the best (full meals) and the worst of the worst (junk food) to keep me sustained and fueled for the night. Plus, finals week is the perfect time for you to tell yourself "what diet?" and #treatyoself to a couple more bags of Hot Cheetos. Sleep is another important factor that most students don't get the luxury of having throughout this intense week. I have only pulled ONE college all-nighter in my life and it was literally the worst decision I ever made. I've realized that my brain pretty much shuts down after about 2-3 A.M. so there's really no point in me trying to force-feed my mind, body, and soul into digesting information it can't handle. Last but not least, let's talk music! 

Music is probably the first thing I get started on before I open up those endless tabs on chrome or write the header of my research paper. I personally have a different genre/style of music I listen to depending on what I'm studying. If I'm writing, I like listening to instrumentals and soundtracks. If I'm reading, I like to put on Korean songs. If I'm trying to memorize, I usually do a little bit of everything mentioned before. 

To get you into that study grind I've curated some musical beats you can enjoy as you suffer (for one more day!) before heading home for the holidays.

"I Should Definitely Start Studying" Playlist

"I Can Handle Lyrics, No Probs" Playlist

"I'm Down for Some Non-English, Korean Study Music" Playlist

Let me know what you like to listen to in the comments below! I'd love to hear all your recommendations :)

*Disclaimer: these playlists aren't 100% finished, I just didn't have enough time to add everything but I hope you can still enjoy!*

Tune in next time, 

Rachel

JUNIOR YEAR RECAP:

3 down, 1 more to go

What.the.heck...happened this past school year? I seriously cannot accept the fact that I am now officially entering my last year of college. My goodness...

Junior year was probably the toughest year I've experience thus far. However, I'd like to start with an incredible blessing and opportunity I had which was studying abroad in Rome, Italy. To look back on those four months feels like I'm day-dreaming. I made such amazing friends, ate tons of delicious food, and travelled to my heart's (and wallet's) content. It was truly an experience like no other and I can't imagine how different school would've been without those few months abroad. (Check out my recap about it HERE and watch my vlogs abroad HERE). 

Coming back to UCSD was a different story. At first, the transition was O.K. I got to meet all my friends again and I got started right away with school and org business. Then things got a little to busy on my plate and I got caught in a whirlwind of work and lacked time and energy and enthusiasm in reaching out to the relationships that I should've held in higher regard. I started losing a lot of hair  and I felt the loneliest I'd ever been at one point. What was worse was my lack of ability to be vulnerable with even my closest friends which made me stuck in this emotional/mental despair. It wasn't until I finally cracked and broke down to one of my friends that I realized "oh snap" it's O.K. if I'm not 100% there and that friends are friends for a reason: they're there to listen and to encourage and support you. 

After I stopped stressing and feeling all sorts of bad, things picked up. I asked God to hold my hand and walk me through the tough times and I felt a big weight off my chest knowing that my friends were thinking about me and always available whenever needed. It was nice knowing that I could also do the same for them. I was able to be a better person to those I interacted with whether it was my co-workers, my magazine staff, or my precious small group girls. The latter, really helped me to grow as a leader and as a friend. These four different, but equally unique ladies taught me that being perfect is impossible and as long as you're patient and open-hearted, you will always be welcome and appreciated. 

This past school year was a real growing process for me and for that I am thankful. I got to learn a lot about myself and how important investing in just a few relationships that matter really is. Love languages are powerful sources of information that can help nurture friendships and taking a step back to always appreciate what you have is something I need to do more of. 

Oh, and before I forget, I had a little spark of inspiration the other day a.k.a. I think I know which direction I want to head for my future career (omg, it's finally become that time to get serious about this). I'm currently heavily involved with social media (I've got this blog, a YouTube channel, etc) and I'm interning at an advertising/PR company representing big film studios in entertainment such as Disney, Warner Bros, and Universal. It's come to my attention that it would be awesome if I worked in this industry of production and film (the entertainment industry in general) and even more specifically, within the growing Asian-American community. Productions like Wong Fu, ISAtv, Jubilee Project are all great outlets that not only showcase the skills Asian-Americans possess, but also how those skills are being put to good use that positively effects society. I just had a "why not?" kind of moment since this is something I'm passionate about and that my experience could be put to good use in. Of course, this is just one direction that I'm simply going to go in. I know I'll get inspired by other things and I'm not limiting myself to just the entertainment/film industry. But hey, it's a start!

So, I look forward to my last year at UCSD and how much more I'll grow and mature. It's an exciting, but scary thought that I know will push me to become a stronger and better person that can have a positive influence in other people's lives. I'll have friends and family to keep me accountable and I know that God will help me the entire way. 

Talk to you later, 

Rachel

P.S.-I'll be trying to post a lot more consistently on my YouTube channel this summer! It's a goal I've made for myself so keep me accountable and show support by subscribing and checking out my content! Click HERE to see <3

#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