Name:  Saba Shaikh
Major: Biology
2019-2020: 2nd Year Student

"UCR is an amazing college that provides a lot of resources to its students - take advantage of them! Join clubs that you find interesting, work in a lab, and never hold yourself back from opportunities that interest you. Being part of Science Ambassadors has been a wonderful experience for me, and I never would have had such a great way of giving back to my community if I didn't take the leap and applied for this program. Make an effort to put yourself out there to make meaningful connections with your peers and faculty members. College can be a struggle at times, but having a strong support group makes all the difference in shaping your college experience."

What has been the biggest challenge that you have faced this quarter?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced this quarter is time management! It’s one of the most important parts of college, but much easier said than done while juggling hard classes and extracurriculars.  

What have you learned from your fellow Science Ambassadors?
I’ve learned quite a lot from my fellow Science Ambassadors, from getting advice on classes to learning more about UCR. Being surrounded by such driven, like-minded people motivates me to pursue my own goals as much as I can. It’s really fun working alongside other ambassadors in projects and events and being part of such a supportive group.

What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
When I find myself with free time, I love reading books that have been sitting around my bookshelf and collecting dust. I have a habit of buying books that seem really exciting and then forgetting about them for six months, but I'll always be a bookworm at heart.