Activities/Interests:
Regent Scholar, Regent Scholars Association President, fiction writing, volunteering at a community blood bank, dirt biking, swimming laps at the UC Santa Cruz pool

Favorite UC Santa Cruz moments:
The professors and the courses: “Some of the literature professors are especially interesting and very passionate about their subject. I took a course called the Gothic Imagination, which dealt with the relationship between self and other. That course really changed the way I see myself and other people.”

How UC Santa Cruz has changed her:
“I’ve met a lot of new and interesting people here,” Phyllis says. “I’m also more knowledgeable in English, and my writing has improved. Writing essays is easy for me now.”

“I turned down Berkeley to come here, and I’m very glad I did. I’m happy here. UCSC has a great social atmosphere and is a good environment to live in. While it’s not stressful in itself, you can make your experience as intense as you want by adding activities to your schedule.”