Find Where You Belong

Finding your place in a community as lively and diverse as UC San Diego can feel overwhelming. With over 750 student organizations on campus that include affinity groups, leadership programs, Sorority and Fraternity life and community service collectives, countless intramural sports and academic organizations, it’s hard to know where to begin.

This is where the Finding My Place Storytelling Campaign comes in. Launched in 2025 by UC San Diego’s Collective Impact Sense of Belonging Working Group, Tritons share ways they discovered belonging at UC San Diego. Check out highlights from the campaign below, and read the complete stories.

“Give yourself the grace to be new, the courage to be curious, and the time to become who you’re meant to be."

- Jayda Tunstall, 2025-2026 National Pan-Hellenic Council President

"Sometimes, the very step you’re nervous to take ends up leading you to incredible spaces."

- Patiemma Rubio, 2025-2026 Graduate & Professional Students Association President 

"While it’s scary to make decisions with unknown possibilities, time will pass anyway."

- Anonymous 

“Being surrounded by other creatives who support and motivate each other has made me feel seen.”

- Elisa Kim, Class of 2025

“The pieces of your story that feel like barriers now will one day become bridges for others.”

- Anonymous

"With the right people by your side, you can find your place, make an impact, and help others do the same."

- William Simpson, 2025-2026 Associated Students President

"Even when I felt like I didn’t belong at first, I reminded myself that I could still create my own sense of belonging."

- Anonymous

“Stepping out of our comfort zones, challenging norms, and seeking opportunities to belong can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.”

- Minh Nguyen, Class of 2025

"Belonging comes from finding spaces where you can be yourself: imperfect, growing and still welcome.”

- Tanya Dwivedi, Class of 2025