THE DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY
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In 1999, a campus announcement for the newly introduced SAGE Scholars Program caught the attention of UCI freshman Jemie Sae Koo.
The daughter of immigrants and a first-generation college student, Sae Koo was attentive to any interesting opportunities in her new university environment. She quickly applied to SAGE and met with Dr. Juan Francisco Lara, CFEP founding director and Karina Hamilton, former director of the SAGE Scholars Program. “They were so friendly and informative and passionate about the program,” Sae Koo recalls. “When I was ultimately accepted as a member of the inaugural SAGE Scholars class, SAGE became my community and literally changed my life.” Still in existence and thriving today, the SAGE (Student Achievement Guided by Experience) Scholars Program, provides undergraduates who have significant financial need with the tools to invest in their future through leadership training, career exploration, graduate school planning, and access to internship and scholarship opportunities. |
Jemie Sae Koo, UCI SAGE Scholars alumna and founder, Psychable
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“UCI was one of three SAGE Scholars Programs in the UC system when I became director in 2007 – now there is only one,” said Stephanie Reyes-Tuccio, assistant vice chancellor, educational partnerships. “The great recession was very challenging for donor- and industry-driven work, but this was a program that I would not allow to be an economic casualty. Students like Jemie are the best investment we can make in the future.”
Sae Koo quickly became an intern at an on-campus biotechnology company, Atarigin Technologies, where she “was given tremendous exposure to the people and corporate culture,” and “even reported directly to the upper-level management in the C-Suite.”
Sae Koo quickly became an intern at an on-campus biotechnology company, Atarigin Technologies, where she “was given tremendous exposure to the people and corporate culture,” and “even reported directly to the upper-level management in the C-Suite.”
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SAGE helped me discover that I want to be engaged in a variety of activities, that this gives passion to my life.
Founder, Psychable |
Sae Koo entered UCI as an undeclared major. She only knew what she didn’t want to do: become pigeon-holed into one thing. “I wanted to experience and make all the connections life has to offer.
SAGE afforded her that opportunity. By her senior year, Sae Koo had interned at a variety of companies, from biotech to entertainment. These internships, coupled with CFEP mentoring and academic exploration, led Sae Koo to double major in International Studies and Sociology and minor in Business Management. SAGE also imbued in Sae Koo the importance of community service. While a SAGE Scholar, Sae Koo mentored underprivileged high school students in Santa Ana and helped fundraise for college scholarships. “SAGE helped me discover that I want to be engaged in a variety of activities, that this gives passion to my life,” Sae Koo said. |
A quick glance at Sae Koo’s resume confirms this philosophy. Sae Koo has worked as: a director at the Boys & Girls Club of America; a congressional staff member in Washington, D.C.; and as a director of marketing for the Los Angeles Chargers. She’s also led initiatives and developed campaigns for corporations including Amazon, Disney, H&M, Coca-Cola, and Toyota.
In 2021, Sae Koo founded Psychable, an online community that connects individuals who would like to legally explore the healing power of psychedelics with medically and peer-reviewed practitioners.
Sae Koo offered up advice for future students that she learned from her experiences as a SAGE Scholar.
“Show up and do the hard work so you can be better for yourself and others around you. Learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Live in gratitude and with integrity. And be present and connect more to your heart.”
In 2021, Sae Koo founded Psychable, an online community that connects individuals who would like to legally explore the healing power of psychedelics with medically and peer-reviewed practitioners.
Sae Koo offered up advice for future students that she learned from her experiences as a SAGE Scholar.
“Show up and do the hard work so you can be better for yourself and others around you. Learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Live in gratitude and with integrity. And be present and connect more to your heart.”
The preceding story is part of the "CFEP: 25 Years of Impact" series, honoring the people, programs and partnerships that have helped impact millions of students, teachers and families over the past quarter century. View the entire series here.
