Isaac Ing

While some students prefer to get their general education classes out of the way in order to focus on their majors, Isaac has found his GEs to be fulfilling and enjoys learning across disciplines. In fact, his love of writing was renewed when he took a class on fiction writing. “One life goal that I lost during high school literature was to write my own book. I loved recreating the childhood excitement of creating whacky plots and dialogue. I now keep a daily journal so that I can keep this hobby alive.”

At UC San Diego, Isaac became an orientation leader to continue forging human connections which he began doing while living in Hong Kong following high school. “I ask my orientees: ‘What empowers you?’ Their eyes always light up. Engaging in meaningful 2-way conversation, we reflect on our life journeys—how our cultural roots shape each-other’s view of the world—and develop respect for each other’s lived experiences.”

The Sixth College Urban Studies and Planning major wants to understand how to make cities both efficient and people-focused. “I learned how mixed-use encourages people to walk to stores while also encouraging active lifestyles.” Inspired to apply these concepts to the real world, Isaac joined a research project as an intern to measure how lifestyle habits might change as a result of the new trolley extension to campus. He is also on the Sixth College Student Council as a campus transportation advisor to understand others’ perceptions of transportation. “I speak at city council meetings and promote the transportation experience around University City with more focus on bikers, pedestrians, and trolley-users.” He hopes to utilize his expertise one day to enhance cities and further forge a little more human connection in this world.