The ITRC is proud to introduce...
Darby Reif
Tribal Affiliation: Te-Moak Band of Western Shoshone
Year/Major: First Year/Human Biology
Hometown: Temecula, CA
1. What made you choose UC San Diego?
When I was choosing what college I wanted to attend, it was almost an instant choice to attend UCSD because it has been my dream school. I loved the beauty of La Jolla and being right next to the ocean, as well as all the opportunities it would provide being such a great school for STEM. Only an hour away from home, it's that perfect balance – feeling independent like I'm doing my own thing, but also knowing home is just a hop away whenever I need to.
2. What has been the best way to meet new people during your first quarters at UC San Diego?
I’ve found that the more involved I get within campus the more people from different backgrounds, interests, and hobbies I’m able to meet and later become friends with. Wherever I meet students from classes we tend to form friendships by bonding through the tough material or coursework; which I find pretty amusing. Welcoming atmospheres, like the ITRC, create a comfortable and safe space where reaching out to fellow students becomes a natural and enjoyable way to meet new people, expanding my social circle in ways I might not have discovered otherwise.
3. What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I try my best to get involved on campus through student organizations like NAISA, or sports clubs like field hockey. Whenever I get the chance, my friends and I love to hop on the bus and try a new coffee shop, opting to study somewhere other than the library in an attempt to romanticize the work. Most importantly, however, I appreciate my decompressive activities like going to the gym or watching shows with my suitemates.
| 
