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Home > Features > Student Travelogue Index > Travelogue Claudine Soriano Entry 7: Real world waits just outside the ‘bubble’ Entry 6: UCDC students curious, excited to meet Chancellor Drake Entry 5: Finding myself, but not in an office Entry 4: Honoring American soldiers on the 4th Entry 3: Experiencing colonial days at Mt. Vernon Entry 2: Missing home, but loving the Metro Entry 1: Traveling to learn beyond the classroom Real world waits just outside the ‘bubble’ Washington, D.C., Aug. 18, 2005 As I look back over the past nine weeks in the UCDC program, I realize that I’ve learned a lot about the real world and myself. I’ve learned that the real world is tough; that parents won’t always be there to fall back on. I’ve learned that, in the real world, you can’t just let things slide, or say nothing, because you’ll get trampled all over. And contrary to young people’s beliefs, money does not grow on trees. I’ve learned that, although school may be difficult, it’s a safe haven compared to the difficulties that can (and do) occur outside. I’m glad that I grasped the opportunity to step outside the “bubble” we call Irvine. Irvine is a beautiful place, filled with the comforts of American society that people outside could only dream about. Irvine is a place where expensive living spaces, high-end shopping areas and luxury vehicles are so within our reach. Washington, D.C., is not like that. Washington, D.C., of course, has its remarkable history, impressive monuments and overwhelming power, but it also has high crime rates, terrible weather and poverty stricken people all around. D.C. has opened my eyes to things I never would have known had I not visited and lived here all these weeks. I would like to encourage all students who have the chance to travel to grab it; accept the challenge and opportunity to participate in UCDC or another travel program to see what adventures lie outside our little city. I could have easily read and learned about the East Coast in a book, or virtually visited these places via the Internet, but there’s something about experiencing new avenues with my own eyes that intrigues and excites me, as uncomfortable or distasteful as those avenues may be. I’ve had the opportunity to experience and walk among the resting places of our great leaders and patriots. I’ve seen with my own eyes America’s innovation – through exploring technological advances at local museums, visiting Independence Hall in Philadelphia where the most important documents of our history were written, and participating in nonprofit grassroots advocacy. Traveling to D.C. and meeting new people – both locals and Californian peers – has helped me realize what I’m looking for in terms of relationships, work and overall success and happiness. I’ve discovered the kind of work I’m interested in (and not interested in), and the kind of people that interest me (and don’t). I’ve spent time traveling to numerous cities (in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and soon New York), learning about our country’s history and realizing things about both new and old friends. Participating in this program has been one of the greatest experiences of my young life – an experience that has molded me into the person I am and steered me in a direction closer to becoming who I want to be in the future.  UCI offers so many programs that allow students to become more well-rounded individuals. I can’t even count the number of times my peers in D.C. have envied this chance that I was given through the university. I encourage others to participate in any programs like this that are offered at UCI. Once your time at UCI ends, chances like these become scarce. Thank you for joining me in my adventures and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these entries. UCDC students curious, excited to meet Chancellor Drake Washington, D.C., July 14, 2005 Today, UC Irvine’s new chancellor, Michael Drake, attended a luncheon with UCI students who are spending the summer in Washington, D.C., through the UCDC program. When I arrived at the UCDC Washington Center conference room, three or four UCI students were already awaiting the chancellor’s arrival. I could feel the tension and nervousness – and excitement – in the air. We were going to meet the chancellor! After reading about this man in newspapers and on the UCI Web site, I thought it was about time that students like me have the chance to meet with him. What kind of person is he? How will he lead the university? Will he be open to students’ concerns? These were all things my peers and I wanted to know about Chancellor Drake, and this opportunity to speak with him was just what we needed.  A little past noon, after the rest of the students (some students had work obligations, but about 10 of us were able to make it) and some Washington Center staff arrived, Chancellor Drake entered the room, introduced himself and then went around to shake hands with each individual. He has a very firm grip. The students in the room didn’t seem to know what to expect – I’m sure I didn’t . But when he walked into the room, he was smiling, friendly and very relaxed, which immediately put us all at ease. He joked that the decision to accept the position as chancellor came from his “boss” – and he pointed to his wedding band on his left ring finger. He made an effort to repeat our names and took notes as we went around the tables doing introductions.
After the general introductions, Chancellor Drake sat down and talked about his background. I could see that he is well qualified to work with both graduate and undergraduate students, having been an associate dean and professor at UC San Francisco where he conducted graduate classes in an intimate classroom setting that allowed him to really get to know his students. And as the senior associate dean for admissions at UCSF, he learned about undergraduates as they applied and interviewed for graduate school admission. As he talked with us, he said he is interested in helping UCI move forward, and was glad to be able to meet with students from the campus. After he spoke about his background, we ate lunch, and were asked to share with him some of our background and personal experiences as UCI students. Students brought several topics to the table, including concerns about the lack of a centralized campus assault resource center and the campus’s perceived liberalism. One student indicated that outsiders negatively view the liberalism on campus (from students and professors alike), and that these biases make UCI unattractive to some potential students as well as potential benefactors. He replied that while individuals should be encouraged to think independently, the university as a whole should try to remain neutral and examine ideas from many angles. Throughout the discussion, Chancellor Drake listened attentively, commenting on a lot of things we had to say, especially noting the exposure we all received by participating in internships in the Washington, D.C.-area. “No student should have any reservations about discussing any issue with him; his fundamental concern is the well-being and success of UCI students,” said Shyla Raghav, a third-year applied ecology and international studies major who participated in the luncheon. I have to admit that when the announcement came that Michael Drake would be our new chancellor, I had my questions and curiosity. I wanted to know more about this person: to see what he has done in his life, to get a glimpse of his experience and see how he relates to students. I read some of his very impressive curriculum vitae, which made me more comfortable. But meeting and speaking with him helped to solidify the positive impression. After lunch, we posed for a photo and were invited to stay and discuss any questions or concerns. A few students stayed to discuss certain issues, while the other students returned to work, including myself. The atmosphere was kept nice and comfortable, and gave the participants a fine picture of who will be leading our school in the future. It was definitely a memorable experience, and I’m very excited to welcome our chancellor, Michael Drake, to the Anteater community! ZOT ZOT! Finding myself, but not in an office Washington, D.C., July 14, 2005 I’m currently in the fourth week of the UCDC Internship Program, and things are progressing quite nicely, but it sure doesn’t feel like it’s been four weeks. My internship at the Society for Women’s Health Research is not as exciting as I would hope (think intern work – answering phones, typing up papers, inputting data in spreadsheets). Fortunately, the people I work with are smart, passionate and beautiful individuals, and that makes it all worthwhile.  There are usually four interns working for the society over the summer, one for each department at the society. I’m the development intern, which means I work with fundraising. The other interns from the other departments have become my friends in the past few weeks: Michelle, the government-relations intern; Kristen, the scientific-affairs intern; Katie, the communications intern. We’ve gotten to know each other while sitting at our intern station and working. I’ve also become friends with the development assistant, Miriam. She started the same day I did, so we’ve been learning the ropes of the society together. The people I’ve met while on this program have really helped me learn more about my American culture (my friends are from Northern California, Ohio, Maine and New Hampshire). It’s interesting to see the differences and similarities in our lives, especially since we’re all from the same country, just different states within it. In fact, Michelle actually attended the Yellowcard concert held at UCI a while back. Who would have thought we’d be in the same place at the same time, but on the other side of the country?
I’m very lucky to be working with them, and I’m happy that this is my first taste of the office environment. However, I’ve learned that I’m not too much of an office person – I have to go out and DO something to change the world. I feel that working with nonprofit organizations that I am truly passionate about would be my ideal career path … after I explore the world and help the needy. I recently went to an informational session for the Peace Corps, and I think I would definitely like to do something like that before I work in an office. This internship and my participation in the UCDC Program has helped me to get a little closer to finding who I am, and I definitely recommend it for all of you back home. Honoring American soldiers on the 4th Washington, D.C., July 5, 2005 During the day of July 4, a small group of us visited Arlington Cemetery to pay respects to the soldiers, John F. Kennedy and others laid to rest there. Most moving was the memorial for fallen Iraqi soldiers. Families wrote notes to loved ones and placed them with roses and other tokens of affection near the soldiers’ photos. It was a moving experience; one that I wish many more people could participate in, to pay respect to those that protect the freedoms we as Americans may take for granted. Later in the day, we joined the other friends from the UCDC program at the Mall to wait for the fireworks show scheduled for later in the night. We listened to the Navy Band play patriotic music, and watched the myriad of people trying to find a spot to lay their blankets down on the Mall. The fireworks were spectacular and, with the Lincoln Memorial in the background, it looked so beautiful. The Navy Band played, setting a soundtrack to the show. During the show, with the music and lights and the historic setting, I felt that I knew why I should be proud to be an American, and I am. I am very proud to be an American. Staying in D.C. has been a dramatic change for me – the weather, the people and the environment. But through it all, I’ve developed this newfound pride for this country, and what it stands for. I wouldn’t trade this experience in D.C. for anything else in the world right now, even with all the changes I’ve had to endure. It is definitely one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Experiencing colonial days at Mt. Vernon Washington, D.C., June 30, 2005 In my second week in Washington, D.C., work is rolling along and monuments and sights are getting checked off the list one by one. Last weekend, after a long first week working at the Society for Women’s Health Research, I decided to reward myself with a trip to Mt. Vernon. I went with my boyfriend, Torch, who is also participating in the UCDC program this summer, working for the Department of Justice. Anyway, Mt. Vernon was so fun! Mt. Vernon is where George Washington lived and was buried. Entrance cost a little more than the usual D.C. sights, but that’s probably because a lot of the sights to see here are free! The Mt. Vernon trip included a boat ride – in which we got to see some statues along the Potomac, the hangar in which they keep Air Force One and the National Defense University. After our arrival at Mt. Vernon, we trekked through George Washington’s property and spoke to colonial actors, cleaned wool in their hands-on exhibit, measured ourselves next to George Washington (he was a tall man!), and of course, saw his house and gravestone. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to take pictures inside his house, so you’ll have to go and visit Mt. Vernon yourself to get a peek. It’s worth it! After a few hours of roaming, the boat picked us up and we returned home to rest up for the next day’s adventures. On Sunday, Torch and I decided to go to one of the ten largest churches in the world, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Not only is it a beautiful and spectacular place of worship, it is also one of the sights to see, with many visitors taking pictures, going on group tours, and walking around after the service. It’s like a large, Catholic museum – but you don’t have to be Catholic to visit. After the service, we visited the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. The museum displays the history of America, with focus on agriculture, migration and science. This museum is huge and, unfortunately, we weren’t able to visit all of the exhibits. Even with extended hours for the summer, this museum is definitely an all-day trip. Best part is that it’s also free! Missing home, but loving the Metro Washington, D.C., June 22, 2005  I miss home very much. I’m adjusting pretty well, although I felt some initial culture shock. That may seem strange, considering that I’m still in the same country, but things here are different – the weather, the mass transportation, and even the people. I’ve been here for about half a week now and already started working an new internship, so I’ve been adapting to that, too.
 People here seem to have so much to do, they seem stressed out all the time and they walk fast! I don’t blame them, because there are so many things to see. Already, my friends and I have visited Union Station, the National Archives (above), the Old Post Office, Georgetown Park and (at right) the White House (of course). It’s like literally walking through an American history book.
The weather is really hot. Sure, I bet you’re saying, “No big deal,” but it’s a different form of hot. It’s the sticky kind. The kind that makes you sweat like you’ve never sweat before. And it rains warm, sporadic rain. That gets a little uncomfortable, when you have to walk around after getting off the Metro to get to your destination, but hey, we all need to step out of the box every now and then. I’ve become a good friend of the Metro, the train that is Washington, D.C.’s major form of mass transportation. The Metro takes you everywhere – throughout the city and the surrounding states of Virginia and Maryland. It’s pretty awesome. It beats driving, since it’s fast and there’s no traffic on the rail, but of course, all that time saved is put into a lot of walking. As great as the Metro is and everything, I’m still a true Californian at heart – I miss being able to drive. However, I think even if I were given a chance to drive around here, I wouldn’t. Washington, D.C. drivers don’t yield for pedestrians and there’s no right turn on red! I’ve been honked at many times on the way to my workplace! The people where I work at the Society for Women’s Health Research are really great. Their mission – improving the health of women through research, advocacy and education – is something in which I’m really interested, something I feel could really benefit society, especially women. I just started working there, so more updates regarding that in the near future. With that, I want you to know that I miss you all – and California. D.C. is a nice change of pace, but I hope to get home soon! Traveling to learn beyond the classroom Irvine, Calif., June 13, 2005 With my undergraduate career nearing an end, I decided to participate in the UCDC internship program in Washington, D.C. I always try to keep busy each summer and throughout the school year by participating in classes and programs that will help me in the future or allow me to give back to the community. A previous summer trip to the Philippines to work with people from underprivileged neighborhoods really changed me, and I felt that I needed to find a way to give back at home. The UCDC Program seemed the best opportunity for me to do this. Although the application process was a bit long, consisting of the application, letters of recommendation, short writing sample, and interview – it didn’t end there. After getting into the program, it’s finding an internship that’s the hard part! Luckily, as I searched for prospects, I found that my major in sociology and minor in epidemiology and public health would be relevant to many internships in Washington, D.C., I applied to a handful of internships and waited for replies. Waiting is so nerve racking! After two months of waiting, I received two requests for interviews, and within two weeks I landed an internship in the Development department at the Society for Women’s Health Research. I’m really excited to be working with them! Not only will I get to work for the society, but I will also have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. for the first time, and other cities on the East Coast. I’m really excited to work with people in a totally new environment, and travel all at the same time. As they say, most learning happens outside the classroom, and I hope to learn a lot! |
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Claudine Soriano Year: Senior Major: Sociology, with a minor in epidemiology and public health Hometown: Azusa, Calif. Summer travel: Washington, D.C., through UCDC with an internship at the Society for Women’s Health Research Travelogue entries #1 Traveling to learn beyond the classroom (06.13.05) #2 Missing home, but loving the Metro (06.22.05) #3 Experiencing colonial days at Mt. Vernon (06.30.05) #4 Honoring American soldiers on the 4th (07.05.05) #5 Finding myself, but not in an office (07.14.05) #6 UCDC students curious, excited to meet Chancellor Drake (07.14.05) #7 Real world waits just outside the ‘bubble’ (08.18.05)
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