As an undergraduate researcher, I always thought that the dedication to one’s work comes above all else. This idea was shattered since the heartbreaking event of Friday May 23rd.

On Friday May 23rd, I was not sure how to respond to a text message from the university about a shooting that occurred in Isla Vista, I decided to simply go about my night without thinking twice about it. The next morning, the flood of text messages made me realize the gravity of the situation. Since I had been following a strict research schedule since the beginning of the quarter, I decided to go into the lab on Monday and continue the project I was working on. After receiving an e-mail about Tuesday’s memorial service, I had a decision to make; go to the memorial service that was organized by UCSB or make more progress with my research by going into the lab.

Having walked toward Harder Stadium with the hoards of people all around made me realize that this was the right decision. Missing one day of lab work was absolutely worth going to the service to support the families of the victims and respect my fellow Gauchos. Seeing the 15,000-person stadium hold about 20,000 people was a very emotional experience that made me realize that I had been taking life for granted. This memorial service showed me that there is more to life than the goals I am trying to accomplish. Since Weihan (David) Wang, Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez, and Cheng (James) Hong were the same age as I was, this tragedy made it even more personal. The events that took place in Isla Vista showed me that I should live life to the fullest. It also showed me that the work I do in the lab should be a fraction of what will allow me to live a fulfilled life.