Q&A with Class of 2024 top honors graduates
By Carol Jean Tomoguchi-Perez
July 26, 2024
July 26, 2024
UC Irvine School of Education's undergraduate Class of 2024 boasted 16 Education Sciences majors who earned high and highest academic honors. At UC Irvine, Summa cum Laude is awarded to the top 2% of the graduating class, and Magna cum Laude is bestowed upon the top 4%. These scholars’ exceptional hard work, resilience, and dedication to academic excellence have distinguished them among their peers, making them shining examples for many to follow.
In recognition, four of the top honors graduates share their educational journey, insights and words of wisdom with the UC Irvine community and prospective students who look up to these top achievers for inspiration.
In recognition, four of the top honors graduates share their educational journey, insights and words of wisdom with the UC Irvine community and prospective students who look up to these top achievers for inspiration.
Alison Chin
Honors level: Magna cum Laude
Honors level: Magna cum Laude
Q: What degrees did you earn?
A: I am a Education Sciences and Business Administration double major. I added the competitive Business Administration major, receiving magna cum laude honors in both majors. Outside of school, what activities do you enjoy? I love singing, acting, and filmmaking. What inspired you to pursue a degree in education? Since high school, I have worked in after-school programs, solidifying my desire to pursue teaching as I saw the impact I could make on kids' lives. Did you enjoy any extracurriculars during your time at UC Irvine? During my time at UC Irvine, I served as a successful president of VocaLotus A Cappella, creating a highly inclusive environment and leading my group through its first international competition. I was also a mentor for the Human Resources Management Association and a part of Kappa Delta Pi (Education Honor Society) and Phi Beta Kappa. I also worked at the Disneyland Resort and Catalyst Kids. |
Was there a professor, mentor, or fellow student at UCI who significantly influenced your path? How so?
I am grateful to Jessica Oviatt for inspiring me to pursue graduate school, as I am now a part of UC Irvine's Master of Arts in Teaching and Credential program and aspire to be an elementary school teacher.
I am grateful to Jessica Oviatt for inspiring me to pursue graduate school, as I am now a part of UC Irvine's Master of Arts in Teaching and Credential program and aspire to be an elementary school teacher.
Sophie Gedney
Honors level: Magna cum Laude
Honors level: Magna cum Laude
Q: What is your major?
A: I graduated with a B.A. in Education Sciences and a minor in Psychological Sciences. Can you share your background? I am from Connecticut and have loved my experience here in Southern California. What recent accomplishment are you most proud of? I graduated a year early! Is graduate school in your future? Yes. I am pursuing a M.S. in Teaching back in Connecticut in the fall! |
Amber Liang
Honors level: Magna cum Laude
Honors level: Magna cum Laude
Q: What were the key factors that influenced your decision to attend UC Irvine and the B.A. in Educational Sciences degree?
A: Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the education field – my grandma was a teacher, my mom is currently a sixth grade teacher, and my dad works as a computer technician for a school district. My family’s deep connection with education inspired my decision to continue that legacy at UC Irvine, a university with not only a beautiful campus but also a wonderful education program. What were some defining moments during your time at UC Irvine that shaped your academic and personal journey? A key moment that shaped my academic journey at UC Irvine was taking Urban Studies classes as part of my Psychological Science major requirements. Learning about the impacts of the environmental context on students encouraged me to expand my perspectives and add Urban Studies as a major. I hope to integrate these three disciplines into my future work as a counselor or psychologist in K-12 settings and to positively contribute to the mental well-being of the next generation of students. |
Among your academic achievements, which one are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of receiving the Chancellor’s Award of Distinction, an award for graduates who have demonstrated commitment to cutting-edge research, leadership, or service at UC Irvine. This award allowed me to reflect on the diverse opportunities that I was fortunate enough to pursue at UC Irvine and the impact I’ve made on the campus community through the various roles I served in.
Tell us about your involvement in extracurricular activities, research projects, or organizations at UC Irvine, and how these experiences have contributed to your personal and professional growth?
At UC Irvine, I served as a peer academic advisor for the School of Education, where I provided academic advising to my peers! I also was a peer life coach at the UC Irvine Counseling Center, working with students individually to enhance their personal, social, and academic well-being. Outside of academics, I enjoyed volunteering with the American Red Cross Club, mentoring others in the Antleader Mentorship Program, and welcoming incoming students as a staffer for the Student Parent Orientation Program. Although these experiences were all unique from one another, they all allowed me to support the campus community while introducing me to lifelong skills, friendships, and memories that I will carry into my future.
What aspirations do you have for the next chapter of your life? Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Ten years? Is graduate school in your future?
As I move into this next chapter of my life, I plan on broadening my experience with K-12 students through different educational roles. I will also be preparing to pursue my Master’s in School Counseling. A long-term goal of mine would be to obtain an Ed.D. degree, as I hope to work in education administration or policymaking in the future.
Finally, what advice would you offer to new and prospective students to make the most of their university experience?
Step out of your comfort zone and be open to new experiences! From joining a club to applying for a campus job to utilizing UC Irvine’s beneficial resources, seeking out different opportunities to involve yourself within the campus community will make your time here at UC Irvine extremely meaningful and memorable. You never know what amazing people you will meet, what perspectives you will broaden, or what rewarding skills you will build by taking the first step in trying something you've never done before.
I am most proud of receiving the Chancellor’s Award of Distinction, an award for graduates who have demonstrated commitment to cutting-edge research, leadership, or service at UC Irvine. This award allowed me to reflect on the diverse opportunities that I was fortunate enough to pursue at UC Irvine and the impact I’ve made on the campus community through the various roles I served in.
Tell us about your involvement in extracurricular activities, research projects, or organizations at UC Irvine, and how these experiences have contributed to your personal and professional growth?
At UC Irvine, I served as a peer academic advisor for the School of Education, where I provided academic advising to my peers! I also was a peer life coach at the UC Irvine Counseling Center, working with students individually to enhance their personal, social, and academic well-being. Outside of academics, I enjoyed volunteering with the American Red Cross Club, mentoring others in the Antleader Mentorship Program, and welcoming incoming students as a staffer for the Student Parent Orientation Program. Although these experiences were all unique from one another, they all allowed me to support the campus community while introducing me to lifelong skills, friendships, and memories that I will carry into my future.
What aspirations do you have for the next chapter of your life? Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Ten years? Is graduate school in your future?
As I move into this next chapter of my life, I plan on broadening my experience with K-12 students through different educational roles. I will also be preparing to pursue my Master’s in School Counseling. A long-term goal of mine would be to obtain an Ed.D. degree, as I hope to work in education administration or policymaking in the future.
Finally, what advice would you offer to new and prospective students to make the most of their university experience?
Step out of your comfort zone and be open to new experiences! From joining a club to applying for a campus job to utilizing UC Irvine’s beneficial resources, seeking out different opportunities to involve yourself within the campus community will make your time here at UC Irvine extremely meaningful and memorable. You never know what amazing people you will meet, what perspectives you will broaden, or what rewarding skills you will build by taking the first step in trying something you've never done before.
Alexis Maddox Harlos
Honors level: Summa cum Laude
Honors level: Summa cum Laude
Q: What were the key factors that influenced your decision to attend UC Irvine and pursue the B.A. in Educational Sciences degree?
A: One key factor that influenced my decision to attend UC Irvine was finding a place that felt like home. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I knew it was the right place for me. I chose the B.A. in Education Sciences degree because I wanted a well-rounded degree in education, psychology, teaching, and policy and provide me with the opportunity to gain field experience before graduating. What were some defining moments during your time at UCI that shaped your academic and personal journey? One defining moment at UC Irvine was taking my first education course, EDUC 40 (Theories of Development and Learning Applied to Education) with Janice Hansen during my first quarter. I knew from that moment on I had a passion for psychology in education and wanted to explore it further. This ultimately led me to pursue my double major in Psychological Sciences. |
Among your academic achievements, which one are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa during my junior year as the top 1% of my graduating class. My mother had always talked about this honors society since my first year at UC Irvine and being selected made it feel like I was achieving something for her that she always wanted but never got to accomplish herself.
Tell us about your involvement in extracurricular activities, research projects, or organizations at UC Irvine, and how these experiences have contributed to your personal and professional growth?
During my time at UC Irvine I served as a resident advisor in Mesa Court and a peer academic advisor the School of Education advising office for two years. I also served as a peer life coach in the C.O.A.C.H. program at the UC Irvine Counseling Center, where I was able to get hands-on experience coaching students this past year. With the support of the faculty within these departments and my peers I was able to gain confidence in my abilities and discover my passion for working with students and the counseling field.
Was there a professor, mentor, or fellow student at UCI who significantly influenced your path? How so?
Barry Goldenberg has been a great support system, mentor, and friend during my time at UC Irvine. He has been a great influence on my educational journey and has always encouraged me to shoot for the stars. He has always been there to talk and provide advice on any topic and his support and mentorship is something I will cherish forever.
What aspirations do you have for the next chapter of your life? Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Ten years? Is graduate school in your future?
In the fall I will be starting my graduate school journey in the Master's in the Art of Counseling program at the University of San Diego. I hope to continue my educational journey and pursue my Psy.D. or Ph.D. after obtaining my Master's degree.
Finally, what advice would you offer to new and prospective students to make the most of their university experience?
Four years may seem like a long time but it will fly by in a blink of an eye. Take advantage of every opportunity presented to you and make the most of every moment. UC Irvine and the School of Education is a special place and they are always here to support you!
I am most proud of being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa during my junior year as the top 1% of my graduating class. My mother had always talked about this honors society since my first year at UC Irvine and being selected made it feel like I was achieving something for her that she always wanted but never got to accomplish herself.
Tell us about your involvement in extracurricular activities, research projects, or organizations at UC Irvine, and how these experiences have contributed to your personal and professional growth?
During my time at UC Irvine I served as a resident advisor in Mesa Court and a peer academic advisor the School of Education advising office for two years. I also served as a peer life coach in the C.O.A.C.H. program at the UC Irvine Counseling Center, where I was able to get hands-on experience coaching students this past year. With the support of the faculty within these departments and my peers I was able to gain confidence in my abilities and discover my passion for working with students and the counseling field.
Was there a professor, mentor, or fellow student at UCI who significantly influenced your path? How so?
Barry Goldenberg has been a great support system, mentor, and friend during my time at UC Irvine. He has been a great influence on my educational journey and has always encouraged me to shoot for the stars. He has always been there to talk and provide advice on any topic and his support and mentorship is something I will cherish forever.
What aspirations do you have for the next chapter of your life? Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Ten years? Is graduate school in your future?
In the fall I will be starting my graduate school journey in the Master's in the Art of Counseling program at the University of San Diego. I hope to continue my educational journey and pursue my Psy.D. or Ph.D. after obtaining my Master's degree.
Finally, what advice would you offer to new and prospective students to make the most of their university experience?
Four years may seem like a long time but it will fly by in a blink of an eye. Take advantage of every opportunity presented to you and make the most of every moment. UC Irvine and the School of Education is a special place and they are always here to support you!