Innovation with Ellis

Transcript

Let’s meet Ellis, a junior majoring in global arts studies at UC Merced from Los Angeles, California. Ellis’s unique blend of creativity and innovation has allowed him to expand his college experience into the real world. UC Merced encourages all students to follow their passions and be pioneers in school and after. Tell us more, Ellis.

– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. When I was researching universities, I asked myself how I could contribute to the university I decided to attend. I wanted to go somewhere that I felt I was needed while ensuring myself a unique college experience. And I couldn’t have made a better decision. Since my time at the University of California, Merced, I’ve been granted countless opportunities to express my creativity that has helped me expand my experience into the real world. After university staff found my YouTube channel and saw the talent I have to reach students and tell stories, they asked if I could step in to help innovate the university’s official YouTube channel. I’ve gained access to campus resources like professionals in my desired field and experience using professional equipment, which has been very beneficial towards my goals of creating my own short film about my experience living in the Central Valley and my ambitions of attending film school. I’m also the intern assistant coach and video coordinator for the men’s basketball team, a position that I helped create. I saw an area I could help innovate, and after a short pitch, the head coach brought me onto the coaching staff. I have felt UC Merced’s investment in student innovation from being able to create a web show to bring students a monthly news, developing a video department within the men’s basketball team, and having the opportunity to connect with such wonderful professors and film industry professionals. Looking back at my decision to attend the University of California, Merced, I couldn’t have imagined the opportunities I would get to pursue while still completing my undergraduate studies. UC Merced has created a culture of personal growth that has paved the way for students like me to create the college experience we want for ourselves. Thanks, Alex. Back to you.

– Thanks, Ellis. There is truly a culture of innovation at this university. UC Merced ranks number 15 among all U.S. universities according to “The Wall Street Journal” in 2023. Ellis’s experiences are a testament to the limitless opportunities to discover here at UC Merced. Cheers, Ellis.