Photo portrait of UC Davis tour guide Ryan Taylor

Tell us a little about you.

I am from a small town in the Bay Area. I enjoy singing, playing baseball and spending time with friends.

In the context of your background and your time at UC Davis, what makes you unique?

I came to UC Davis undeclared and decided after my first year that civil engineering is what I want to major in. Changing my major was a very easy process.

Why did you choose UC Davis?

I chose UC Davis because, after I toured the campus, I couldn’t stop thinking about myself going here. It has also been my goal to attend UCD since I was in middle school.

What do you enjoy doing for fun here?

I enjoy spending time with my friends, biking around Davis and playing club baseball.

What activities have you been involved in here?

I have been involved in many activities here at UC Davis. Last year I started playing on the club baseball team, sang in the choir for two quarters, joined Chi Epsilon (National Honor Society for Civil Engineers), and became a tour guide.

What do you like about academics and student life here?

I love how cooperative everyone is in the academics. Everyone is involved in study groups and wants to see their fellow students succeed.

Where have you found community and support on campus?

I found community through joining extracurricular programs, such as club baseball and Chi Epsilon.

How has UC Davis helped you grow?

I grew more as an individual as it was my first time living on my own. I also grew in terms of my study habits and dedication to my classes. I have been able to set goals for myself and meet those goals.

How do you feel UC Davis is preparing you for success?

UC Davis is helping me prepare for success by allowing me to figure out who I want to be in the world. Also, with the resources they provide, I have been able to network and find potential future employers.

What do you hope/plan to do after you graduate?

After I graduate, I hope to get a master's degree in structural engineering.

What has surprised you about UC Davis?

I knew that the campus had a welcoming reputation, but just how welcoming everyone is was surprising to me.

What would you tell prospective students about UC Davis?

I would say that UC Davis is an amazing school to attend for the academics, social life and resources it provides.