Staff

President – Angeline Go

Year: 4th Year
Major(s): Management Science and Psychology
Describe your position on staff.
As President, I am responsible for overseeing staff duties and responsibilities, events, and the general body meetings (GBMs). I also serve as a chairperson of our weekly staff meetings. Our mission for MASA is to provide everyone (staffers and GBMers alike) with that home-away-from-home, a place where people of different cultural backgrounds can feel welcomed and comfortable.
What is your most memorable MASA moment?
My most memorable MASA moment was one of last year’s noodle nights. It was held at Sixth College Lodge and last year’s President, Nathan, asked me over to the kitchen to help him. On the way to the kitchen, I heard the song, “Price Tag” by Jessie J and was totally engrossed in singing along to it. Next thing you know, I pulled up Nathan’s pants… It seemed totally normal until I looked at him and saw the ‘WTF’ look he was giving me. Turned out, he wanted me to pull up his sleeves – not his pants… ><” It was so embarrassing but so funny that I cried from laughing so hard.
How has MASA changed you?
MASA has changed me, most definitely in terms of my shyness. I liked avoiding the scariness and intimidation of being the one to introduce myself to strangers and new acquaintances. I always felt awkward doing so. But now I really enjoy being the one to go out and meet new people. I think that this change came with the comfort that I feel with MASA. I feel like I can always be my goofy and silly self with MASA and never be judged for it. And so because of this comfort, I’ve gained a lot of confidence to be myself and be honest with myself and with others. <3

Vice President – Julie Choi

Year: 3rd Year
Major(s): Human Biology & Psychology
What defining qualities separate you from everybody else?
My endless love for sheeps. Also that I’m a major klutz (I trip over EVERYTHING including absolutely nothing) and I’m completely directionless. (like at one point, I didn’t know how to go from UCSD to Ralph’s) Oh dear, these don’t seem to be very good qualities…but unfortunately I’m pretty sure it’s these qualities that makes me, well me. . Oh… I guess my slew of health complications also separate me from others too. But I’m relatively healthier now so maybe it’s an ex-quality? .
What are your plans after graduating UCSD?
I plan to take a year off before I apply to med school. The summer after I graduate, I would like to volunteer or study abroad (If I’m studying, probably England. if I’m volunteering, somewhere in Africa or a 3rd world country) After I come back, I’m going to look for lab jobs/research position to build up more experiences.
I’ve told a very small minority this but my goal in life is to become a doctor and after making some money from working in a hospital, I’d like to set up my own clinic in a Third World country to help people — especially little children. I’d also like to have a piano in the clinic so I could play from time to time. :].
What dessert would MASA be and why?
A layered jello. To make a layered jello, you need to make one layer, let it solidify and continue to repeat the process but the layered jello can only be created by using the previously made layer as a foundation for the next. Like so, MASA is built upon a foundation of alumni. I think MASA is only able to boast its reputation of being the biggest Asian organization at UCSD and holding an amazing show like FUSION by utilizing ideas from many generations of alumni with ideas from the new generation. It’s not even just events, but the environment of MASA as a whole. MASA is known for helping people feel welcomed because someone else from MASA previously influenced that person to feel the same way. Although each year is a separate year for MASA, in a sense, it is the combination of all these years that makes MASA the perfect layered jello that you keep coming back to over and over again. ;].

Administrative Chair – Willis Phu

Year: 4th Year
Major(s): Economics and Communications
What defining qualities separate you from everybody else?
I am tall. I get a little crazy sometimes and I’m super awkward in a good way! I listen to A LOT of music and I am the best driver in the WORLD!
What are your plans after graduating UCSD?
I plan to take a year off from school after graduating from UCSD. During that time, I want to travel, find a job hopefully in marketing/PR/or at a nonprofit. In the future, I plan to go to graduate school in either business or something else.
If MASA were a movie, what movie would MASA be? Why?
MASA would be an epic action adventure story similar to STAR WARS! Just kidding. It would actually be more like an action comedy with a bunch of different little adventures and events sprinkled in with a whole lot of humor because in MASA we always laugh at the memories and moments we create.

Alumni Chair – Jennifer Amy Tran

Year: 4th Year
Major(s): Human Development, Psych Minor
Describe your position on staff.
I am responsible for establishing and maintaining the relationship between MASA Alumni and MASA GBM-ers. The Alumni are such great people, everyone should have the opportunity to meet and get to know them.
What makes MASA so special to you?
MASA has given me so much: so much love, support, and memories. Most importantly it has taught me how to be myself. In MASA, I can be myself and other will love the way I am, just being me. Without the care and support of my friends in MASA, I don’t think I could do all the things that I do because I know that whatever happens, no matter where we are, we will still be there to support one another. It truly is my home away from home. I don’t know I am going to do when I graduate. I know the friendships that I have made will stay strong until forever but I am definitely going to miss the convenience of going to PC MASA Spot and seeing familiar faces.
What would MASA’s personality be like if MASA was a person? Why?
MASAwesome. I believe that when someone is MASAwesome, they are awesome in their own little way. No one is perfect and no one is completely normal. We are all strange in our own little ways. But despite all of that, you are still welcomed in MASA.

Community Service Chair – Schwanka Liu

Year: 2nd Year
Major(s): Undeclared
Describe your position on staff.
As the community service chair, I give members the opportunity to give back to the community. Some community service events that I’m in charge of are Soup Kitchen, Buddy Walk, etc. All these events will be a blast, so come check it out!
What is your most memorable MASA moment?
I would have to say performing in FUSION. It was a great experience dancing in front of a huge audience!
What makes MASA so special to you?
Without MASA, I probably would stay in my dorm and play video games all day long. MASA gave me the opportunity to meet great friends where you can just hang out whenever you want.

Cultural Representative – Jeanie Yu

Year:3rd year
Major(s): English Writing
What defining qualities separate you from everybody else?
I’m actually a masked vigilante by night. You can’t beat that.
What are your plans after graduating UCSD?
I plan to go to graduate school…but that’s as far as I’ve really planned. I don’t like to worry too much about the future, but to focus more on bettering the present.
If MASA were a movie, what movie would MASA be? Why?
How is your knowledge of oldschool movies? MASA reminds me of the Breakfast Club!! All those types of people, gathering and finding out their common factors and becoming friends- that’s totally MASA!

Cultural Representative – Yorum Choe

Year: Super Senior!!!
Major(s): Economics (Minor: Law and Society)
Describe your position on staff.
I’m responsible for opening up the young minds to an experience of stinky foods, awesome cultures, interesting facts. And all through interpretive dance. haha. Just joking. I entertain you with knowledge that is fun!
How has MASA changed you?
MASA has made me realized that I have so much more room to grow and?that people you never expect to help you grow will. And life isn’t?just about becoming your own, but also about making connections.
If MASA were a movie, what movie would MASA be? Why?
If MASA was a movie, it would be Super Size Me. Because we eat a?lot. And although, it may be unhealthy, we eat a lot. haha. And we?learn things— and eat along the way.

Finance Chair – Judy Jue

Year: 3rd Year
Major(s): International Studies: Political Science
What defining qualities separate you from everybody else?
I laugh during horror movies, especially at the parts where everyone screams.
What would MASA’s personality be like if MASA was a person? Why?
If MASA was a person, they would be the happy-go-lucky person who always seem too happy for any reason. They would be the first person to be down for a random adventure, the one person who would listen to an angry rant or teary fit, and the one person who will be there for the crazy times, the good and the bad.
What dessert would MASA be and why?
MASA would be a plain cream puff, waiting for the perfect filling, preserved jams, fresh fruits, a heap of ice cream, fluffy flavored cream, and or even a dallop of whipped cream, coupled with a chocolate topping or a breeze of confectioner’s sugar. The cream puff itself is simple and plain, but it is tricky to make well. Much like the toppings and stuffings, MASA is delectable, not necessarily intrinsically, but because of the people and their experiences come together in a yummy, irresistible way.

FUSION Coordinator – Melanie To

Year: 4th Year
Major(s): Biochemistry/ Cell Biology
What defining qualities separate you from everybody else?
I can be very “mama-like” where I always check to make sure my friends are
okay. If you’re crossing the street, make sure you look both ways!
What dessert would MASA be and why?
If MASA was a dessert, it will be chocolate mousse! Tasteful, sweet, soft,
and different!
If MASA were a movie, what movie would MASA be? Why?
The Care Bears Movie! Just like the Care Bears, MASA is very caring,
friendly and approachable, hence CARE Bears There’s also a diverse
amount of personalities in MASA which makes MASA very unique!

FUSION Coordinator – Carol Tao

Year: 3rd Year
Major(s): Sociology
Describe your position on staff.
I am one of the FUSION Coords, who are in charge of holding and running FUSION, the hip hop dance competition that MASA hosts annually. FUSION is one of the largest hip hop dance shows on the West Coast, and I am super excited to have a larger role in the process of making this event happen! I plan and organize the event throughout the year, in hopes of guiding FUSION into becoming a better show every year! I will be FUSION Coord for FUSION 13 in 2012 and FUSION 14 in 2013, so I’ll be around for awhile! (:
What would MASA’s personality be like if MASA was a person? Why?
MASA would have multiple personality disorder because there is a diversity of personalities among the members of MASA. People who join MASA do not attempt to fit a certain mold, but let themselves act freely, creating a unique and memorable impression.
What makes MASA so special to you?
Thanks to MASA, I’ve met a lot of people and grown strong connections with my friends. I’ve also had great experiences of checking out different, exciting events, from simple but hella fun karaoke and movie nights to awesome, mindblowing nights such as Mystery Bus and FUSION!

Historian – Amy Kha

Year: 3rd Year
Major(s): Psychology
Describe your position on staff.
As Historian, I am responsible for documenting this year of MASA through pictures! Pictures will be taken during most, if not all, MASA (and MoMASA) events and activities so keep that smile on your face, because you never know you will be caught on camera. I will also be responsible for the 2011-2012 scrap book, which will be shown at Grad Banquet and future years of MASA to show how fun this org really is!
What would MASA’s personality be like if MASA was a person? Why?
MASA’s personality would be warm, fun and friendly, because that’s exactly how everyone in MASA is. The atmosphere in MASA is always filled with so much energy and excitement that you never want to leave. When people are together, there is always potential for fun, and everyone is always welcome to join. No matter the time of day, MASA is eager to greet people, either with a quick hi-five on the way to class or a warm hug.
What makes MASA so special to you?
MASA is special because it offers something you may not have away from home: a steady support system. Everyone who joins MASA generally tends to try to find a place to belong, and that’s precisely what MASA offers its each and every member; a warm and welcoming environment that will surround you with support and friendliness in your every day need. Whether you are searching for someone to just hang out and play games with, or looking for someone who will sit there and listen to you when you are in need, you will always find that person (or people) in MASA.

kunFUSION Head Coordinator – Lisa Chauv

Year: 5th year
Major(s): General Biology, Psychology Minor
Describe your position on staff.
As kunFUSION coordinator, I am responsible of taking charge and running the non-competitive hip-hop dance team kunFUSION. kunFUSION is a dance team that
is open to anyone (meaning, there are NO auditions to get onto the team) and we are a team made up of a variety of dance levels, from those that have years of dance experience to those that have never danced before. I am in charge of preparing kunFUSION for our main performance FUSION and other smaller performances. I am also responsible of making sure that kunFUSION is a place where everyone is welcomed in as a family and have fun dancing without being criticized for their dance abilities.
What are your plans after graduating UCSD?
I plan on going to pharmacy school or nursing school after UCSD. And if this doesn’t work out, I plan on getting a job as a Pharmacy Technician and maybe
start working as an Event/Wedding Planner. I also plan on continuing to volunteer at free clinics and other non-profit organizations in the community.
What makes MASA so special to you?
MASA is one of the most unique Asian organizations at UCSD such that it is not based on just one type of Asian ethnicity but multiple ethnicities and even people that are not of Asian origins. It is primarily a social organization that accepts everyone, and just simply going to one of the events or General Body Meetings means that “You are already in.” It’s special to me because I know the friends that I make from MASA are friends that will stick with me for life and are in a sense my second family. MASA is also special to me because it is a place where I can get away from all my problems, is a place where I can feel sane from all the personal dramas and academics, and most importantly, is the place that has allowed me to grow into the person that I am now.

Media Chair – Kydric Luyen

Year: 2nd Year
Major(s): Bioengineering
What defining qualities separate you from everybody else?
I am very eccentric and really like to collect things. I will forever be a kid at heart, but I can be mature during necessary times. Don’t take me too seriously… unless when I am serious.
What dessert would MASA be and why?
MASA would be a super tall ice cream cone with a ton of different ice cream flavors! Each person is an individual ice cream flavor that tastes good on their own, but when we are all together, it tastes even better! Each person influence the others like when the top ice cream melt onto the bottom one or when they all meld together at one point. At the end of it all, we all just melt into a giant pool of awesomeness where everyone is indistinguishable!
If MASA were a movie, what movie would MASA be? Why?
MASA would be Shrek. Every character in that movie has their own story that they came from, but in Shrek, everyone comes together to make a really good movie! Everyone contributes something to the overall movie that they brought from their background just like MASA. Everyone is different and have their own story to tell, but in MASA, everyone brings a part of that story to make an even bigger story that everyone can enjoy!

Media Chair – Vinson Ye

Year: 4th Year
Major(s): Psychology
Describe your position on staff.
You know all those videos and powerpoint slides you see during GBMs? You know that site you go on to check for new events? Those are done by the Media chairs! We spend long hours editing videos and creating powerpoint slides. Fun, eh?
How has MASA changed you?
MASA made me a more outgoing person. I used to be really shy (like “don’t talk to me!” kind of shy), but after meeting so many people through MASA, I’ve grown used to meeting new friends.
What makes MASA so special to you?
MASA is a place where you can be yourself and not be scared of people judging you. Just be yourself and be accepted for who you are!

Membership Chair – Allyson Tio

Year: 2nd Year
Major(s): Biochemistry(Chem)
Describe your position on staff.
Along with my co-chair, we want to make new members feel welcomed and comfortable in the MASA circle by introducing new members to older members and facilitating new connections. We’re also in charge of the sidekick program where new members can find mentorship with older members!
What would MASA’s personality be like if MASA was a person? Why?
I think that if MASA was a person, it would turn out to be a completely normal person because there are just so many types of personalities in MASA that they would eventually all balance out. There’s plenty of crazy, but then there are people who are relatively responsible. There are people who act their age and then people who will never grow up (not that that’s a bad thing!). I think the one unifying trait among every MASA member is that everyone has their heart in the right place.
If MASA were a movie, what movie would MASA be? Why?
If MASA were a movie, it would be Legally Blonde. First and foremost, I chose this movie because I could watch Legally Blonde over and over and over again without getting bored; quite like MASA, I know I can always go to events and never fail to be entertained. Furthermore, I think the protagonists of Legally Blonde color the members of MASA really well — MASA is an eclectic bunch of people banding together and melding really well. Also, the antagonists of the movie are everything MASA people are not. Finally, Legally Blonde is about how you can do anything you want to, and MASA definitely supports everyone in what they want to do! Reese Witherspoon! <3

Membership Chair – Jiahleen Roungchun

Year: 2nd Year
Major(s): Indecisiveness
What are your plans after graduating UCSD?
As of now, I don’t have any solid plans. Find a job right away? Travel a bit? Become famous? Be around good food all the time? Who knows, but I’m more than willing to follow that last plan!
How has MASA changed you?
I once was just awesome. I am now… MASAwesome. MASA has taught me to be open to change and to new experiences because if you refuse to let yourself go, you’ll miss out on meeting and getting to know amazing new people.
What dessert would MASA be and why?
If MASA was a dessert, it would be a freshly baked, homemade apple pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. Many can agree that warm slice of pie with ice cream made specially for them is a welcome treat and a definite comfort food. MASA is here to provide a place that feels like a home away from home and to fill your tummies with yummy food [:

Publicity Chair - Christine Chan

Year: 2nd Year
Major(s): Management Science (Minor: Studio Art)
Describe your position on staff.
As one of the publicity chairs, I am responsible for promoting how awesome MASA is. From creating the MASA logo to making flyers, we try our best to let more people know about MASA. :]
What is your most memorable MASA moment?
There’re actually a lot, but I guess I’ll stick with sidekick revealing! It’s definitely exciting to find out who my big and twin are the night before my 18th birthday. I also felt a lot closer to the MASA family after the sidekick revealing since I finally found my long lost family members :]
What makes MASA so special to you?
MASA is basically my second home and my moral support. When I am
encountering troubles or anything, I always know that MASA will be there for me to rely on. The warmth that I felt inside my heart during my very first GBM was definitely one of the reasons I stayed in MASA. After joining, I realized that the friendships that I have in the organization will be a bond that can never easily be broken or forgotten. MASA is also a place for me to grow and feel completely free to bring out my true self.

Publicity Chair – Christine He

Year: 2nd Year
Major(s): Computer Science
Describe your position on staff.
I am one of two publicity chairs for MASA, and we’re both named Christine. Easy to remember right? ^^ Our job is to promote MASA by designing flyers, posters, the MASA logo, and other graphic-y things! We try to come up with cool new ideas and concepts, while keeping to the central theme of MASA. If anyone from MASA has shoved a piece of colored paper into your hand, we probably designed it!
What defining qualities separate you from everybody else?
I’m really short…and people say I’m cute…not to toot my own horn or anything ;PP I like playing tennis, shamelessly listening to kpop, photoshopping, reading, and spending inordinate amounts of time on the internet. Throw any meme at me and I will either laugh or be like ಠ_ಠ
What is your most memorable MASA moment?
Last year, I wanted to go to MASA’s ice skating event, but I hadn’t finished writing a draft of an essay for Muir Writing 40 and it was due that night at midnight. So, I brought my laptop along and finished the essay at the ice skating place. BUT, there was no wifi there so I couldn’t turn it in! I decided to just go ice skate and have fun with my friends and turn it in later. Since the event ended at 10pm, I figured I would have 2 hours to email it to my prof. Afterwards, the MASA people wanted to go eat ramen at a place called Convoy, which they assured me was a super awesome street full of asian restaurants and shops, and all my friends wanted to go. So I was like “…okay, dinner can’t take that long” and agreed to go. We met our very friendly driver, Justin, and started chatting during the ride. When we got near the restaurant, I screamed “WAIT, THERE’S A STARBUCKS!” and forced Justin to stop so I could run outside, steal Starbucks’ wifi, and turn in my homework. I got back to the car and everyone was laughing at me and Justin nicknamed me “Homework”…and it stuck.
Another memorable moment is performing at Fusion with KF. I never thought I would do hip hop dancing, let alone in front of like a thousand people, so it was a uniquely thrilling experience!

Public Relations Chair – Reanna Ho

Year: 4th Year
Major(s): Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution
Describe your position on staff.
As one of the PRs in MASA, our job is to improve our relationships with other organizations by holding joint GBMs and joint events. We also represent MASA in the Coalition of Asian Pacific-Islanders (CAP) which is a network that works with other orgs to let more people know about Asian culture.
What is your most memorable MASA moment?
My most memorable MASA moment would be when I was playing MASAssins last year. I had died anti-climatically and so I decided to help my killer get her next target by pretending to still be alive. The target’s class was outside so we just sat on a bench nearby in clear view of her and kept staring. She started to freak out and her classmates started noticing us too. As soon as her class was dismissed she bolted for us and we were at a stand-off with everyone watching. After a little struggle my killer and the target killed each other at the same time! It was such an epic showdown!
What makes MASA so special to you?
I spend the majority of the year in San Diego. Since I live in Nor Cal I don’t really go back that often so it’s nice to have a group of people I can hang out with down here. I’ve done so many different things with my friends in MASA that the majority of my memories are from MASA! We hang out so much that I even start to miss them when I am in Nor Cal. I consider San Diego my home and I consider MASA my family. :]

Public Relations Chair – Lei Lee

Year: 3rd Year
Major(s): Human Biology (trying to double major in Japanese Studies)
What defining qualities separate you from everybody else?
Most people describe me as “bubbly.” I’m usually shy and quiet at first, but as you get to know me better, you’ll notice that I’m almost always happy, loud, bouncy, and crazy.
What are your plans after graduating UCSD?
Nothing is set in stone for me, but I am thinking about going to Japan for a year to teach English. I think I am still on the pre-med track, but if all else fails, I would like to either be a translator or a teacher.
What is your most memorable MASA moment?
At the CAP Rice Bowl two years ago, I attempted to impersonate Lady Gaga in Paparazzi with rice bags. I didn’t think that I would win!!