1. What were your first impressions of UC San Diego?
Mann: I loved it! I was so eager to go to the East Coast when I was in high school, but I absolutely fell in love with UCSD and decided to come here. It’s been one of the best decisions of my life.
2. How did you become so involved in volunteering?
Mann: I come from a family that honors community and is active in volunteer service. My personal involvement began at a young age as a way to make friends and spend time with people. By the time I got to high school, volunteering became more than just a social outlet for me. I realized that individuals can make large and positive impacts in the world, even from performing the most basic acts such as donating cans to the local food bank. In college I have taken on the attitude that we are all global citizens and therefore should take responsibility to help one another. Volunteering results in social development, cultural understanding, environmental protection, and a path toward a healthier, more peaceful world.
3. Why did you decide to double major in history and Chinese, and minor in theater?
Mann: When I was a freshman, an incredible professor—who is no longer at UCSD—inspired me to pursue a history major. History is a way for me to study global and cultural trends while focusing on the region I am most interested in, East Asia. Chinese language and culture have played a major role in my life, so it was hardly a question that I would also pursue a Chinese Studies degree. This is also what led me to my decision to study abroad in China. Similarly, performance and artistic communication have always been significant ways for me to express myself and connect emotionally to various social conditions. As a theatre minor, I wear a different pair of shoes every time I step on stage; I sympathize with real people encountering real situations. I also strive to understand the important technical, cultural, historical, and social advancements that theatre has played in society.
4. You mentioned that the Chinese language and culture have played a major role in your life? How?
Mann: It is said that a child's experiences in the first few years after birth will influence her for the rest of her life. Well, my situation is a prime example of this scenario. When I was a baby, my caretaker was from Taiwan. My first words were in Chinese, and I was exposed to Chinese food and culture practically before American food and culture! My passion for Chinese studies just took off from there! It has always my most interesting academic subject in school, my favorite section to visit in museums, and certainly the most fascinating country I have visited. Growing up, I unfortunately did not keep up with my Chinese language skills. Therefore, I had to start from scratch when I began studying as a college student! Following graduation I wish to pursue international development work that will utilize my Chinese language skills, allow me to learn other languages, and help me to continuously improve upon them.
5. What was it like to study abroad in China?
Mann: Studying in China was the opportunity of a lifetime. I waited for nearly 20 years to go to the Middle Kingdom, and 12 months later, my studies there were already finished. Now I can’t wait to go back! China today is truly an amazing place, with rich cultural heritage and a history that continues to strive. In addition, it is in the midst of a fascinating economic transition that puts it at a crossroads between yesterday and tomorrow, the past and the future. Not to mention, I indulged in some of the best food I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting! As an obvious foreigner, I received a lot of attention, but it was also a great way for me to practice my Chinese with locals! Traditional Chinese culture and history are vastly different from my own background. I learned a great deal both in and out of the classroom simply by living in and traveling throughout the Middle Kingdom, which is fairly inexpensive for Americans. These are experiences and lessons that simply cannot be learned from the textbook.
6. What are some "outside the classroom" life lessons you learned as a UC San Diego student?
Mann: Certainly having had the opportunity to study abroad in China and travel throughout Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia have fabricated major “outside the classroom” lessons. Also, involvement in several campus departments and organizations has allowed me to evolve my interpersonal, professional, and marketing skills. I am committed to various community service, cultural, and pre-professional organizations. The best lessons I have learned while at UCSD do not have grades next to their titles but are the greatest assets to my life.
7. What advice would you give to an incoming freshman student about succeeding at UC San Diego?
Mann: Make it what you want to be. The word ‘it’ should be replaced by any number of specific nouns, such as ‘college,’ ‘work,’ and ‘life.’ For example, make college what you want it to be. Does this mean locking yourself in a study room at Geisel on weekends in order to make the grade? Or could it be getting involved and taking on leadership roles in activities that mean a lot to you? Or does it mean making new friends of various backgrounds and cultures, and simply having a good time with them? It may be a combination of these and many more. No one can decide your life or your experiences for you, so get out there and make it happen the way you want it to be!
8. What are your favorite spots on campus? Off campus?
Mann: When I lived on campus, my friends and I loved hanging out at Oceanview Terrace, the Marshall cafeteria. It was open late, and we had a lot of friends who worked there. Even though I have lived off campus for a couple of years, some of my favorite college memories are from the many nights I spent with my friends using up meal points and hanging out on the comfy couches in the corner. Off campus, I love spending time at Balboa Park. Hillcrest and Old Town are also fun and spunky sites that always leave me far from disappointed after a day’s visit. Convoy Street, with its variety of Asian cuisines and shops, is definitely a favorite spot of mine. Additionally, any time is a good time to visit some of the best Mexican restaurants in the area!
9. What surprised you most about campus life?
Mann: When I was a freshman, I lived in Revelle. Funny thing is, I am an ERC student. I have yet to understand why the new ERC dorms are only four stories high, and why there is a huge green in the center, when over one hundred ERC students were sent to live on the opposite end of campus. I didn’t have the opportunity to meet many of my ERC peers outside of Argo Hall. Luckily, I loved living in Revelle and experiencing the best of both worlds. It’s great to have pride for one’s smaller college community, but I also love being a part of the larger UCSD community.
10. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Mann: Oh man, I’ll be 31 years old by then! A lot can happen in the next 10 years. It seems like it will be the fastest-moving time of my life! By then I will hope to have served in the Peace Corps and gone to graduate school in peace and international development studies. Afterward, I hope to find an opportunity that will allow me to put my experiences and skills to good use by serving in the international sector. In 10 years, you might not know where to find me!
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