Senior Spotlight: March 2011
Diego E. Janacua Cortez
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In Spring 2010, Latin American Studies major Diego Janacua Cortez from Los Angeles, California was initiated into Mortar Board for his superior scholastic ability, outstanding and continual leadership, and dedicated service to the community. Diego was elected by his peers to serve as a member on the Scholarship Committee on which he has the opportunity to offer scholarships to graduating high school seniors, transfer students, and undergraduates or graduates at UCLA. Outside of Mortar Board, Diego serves as a mentor for high school and community college students and works with non-profits to address issues of health and education. He also helps coordinate census outreach to underrepresented populations with the Governor's office. While at UCLA, you can find Diego playing basketball, watching sports, reading a good book, or even painting! Please continue reading as we turn the spotlight on Diego! |
Describe
your personality in three words.
People-Centered, Compassionate, Focused
What is your best quality? Give an experience when you have put this quality to use.
The ability to stay grounded in my life experiences. Despite all the success and failures in my life, I have never forgotten my roots. Although I have gone through many positive experiences and changes, I believe I am no better than the person next to me. Growing up, my siblings and I were raised with a strong sense of respect and compassion for all people regardless of our differences. I carry these two qualities throughout my life and apply them in my day to day interactions with people.
What are your interests?
I enjoy living a healthy and active lifestyle. I'm constantly challenging myself to do new things that pushes the limits of my mind and body. I enjoy staying active: playing basketball, running, bicycling, swimming and practicing martial arts. I plan on running a triathlon later this year. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and watching documentaries.
What do you like about UCLA?
UCLA has transformed my life. Coming from a poor-working class, immigrant background and attending an institution such as UCLA has opened the doors of the world to me. What I love about UCLA is the opportunities, the community, and the ability to investigate the world and make a positive impact on it. I believe UCLA prepares students to become agents of social, technological and cultural change. Plus, I am proud of the relationships and friendships that I have built while at UCLA.
What is one thing you would like to change at UCLA?
Tuition. Although UCLA provides excellent financial resources and assistance, the cost of attending a UC is a bit too pricy for a public university and it seems as if the price just keeps on climbing. If I could change anything it would be the cost of attending a UC.
What has been your biggest learning experience
Having the ability to work and study in our nation's capital Washington D.C., and in our state's capital Sacramento. Working in these two places allowed me to understand how individuals and communities fit into the larger picture of society. Additionally, It allowed me to meet and learn from incredible leaders working to create and advance the world through innovative solutions and projects. It also provided me with opportunity to build powerful networks of young people working towards a more equitable and just society.
Name two movies you could watch over and over again? Why?
Shawshank Redemption for its great storyline and Forrest Gump for its wonderful character.
What is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is One-Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I enjoy the way in which Marquez crafts the story and characters. The book has a unique way of communicating human emotion and experience through words. It is a masterful book that everyone should read.
If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why?
If I could meet anyone in history, it would have to be my grandmother. I never had a chance to meet my grandmother before she passed away. If somehow I could go back in time, I would love to get to meet and hear my grandmother's voice and stories. She was an incredibly charismatic, loving person who helped those less fortunate in any way she could despite her limited resources.
If you could go anywhere in the world for a day where would you go and why?
I don't have one specific place I prefer. If I had the ability to travel the world I would take a trip through Latin America and experience the broad range of peoples and cultures throughout the region. I would love to visit the cities, communities, and historical sites of Brazil, Mexico and Peru.
What career would you like to pursue after graduation? Why?
I would like to pursue a career in higher education and community development. I want to build a career that works toward creating a more sustainable, safe, and healthy environment for all people. Specifically, I would like to work on empowering and strengthening the socio-economic position of communities of color in Los Angeles and throughout the nation.
What characteristics does it take to become a great leader?
Passion, dedication and vision are some of the most important qualities to become a great leader. I believe that without passion and dedication one cannot be a successful servant to others. One must also have a clear vision of an ultimate goal or destination, from which one can inspire others to move forward. These three characteristics go hand in hand and cannot work alone without the other. To become a great leader one must possess these three characteristics.
Name one person you admire? Why?
I admire my mother above everyone else. Her powerful sense of independence, her great heart, and her persistent nature. She's a wonderful, strong women who has overcome insurmountable obstacles in her life. She's a major influence in my life and much of my character is a reflection of hers. A second figure I admire is Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay). I admire the way in which he took a stand for what he believed and the eloquent way in which he expressed himself. He was a sports figure that transcended his sport, who used his popularity to advance Civil Rights, provide commentary on racial injustices and stood against the Vietnam War. Today, you don't see many athletes or entertainers of his caliber using their voice for a larger cause, nor truly speaking their mind in an attempt to protect their marketability.
Who has been your most influential professor and why?
Two professors, the first is Octavio Pescador, of the UCLA International Institute. Through him I learned the ability to apply what I am learning in the classroom to the community setting. He was able to easily connect how academia and service in the community went hand in hand and how a person could serve their community while also engaging in academia. The other is my history professor Juan Gomez-Quinones, he instilled in me a sense of pride and dignity in my community and heritage and provided a historical context to see how my life was directly connected to the past.
Which is the one television character that you simply adore?
Steve Urkel from the television show Family Matters, he's just simply hilarious. I really enjoy his character... “Did I do that!?”
What are the three most played songs on your iPod?
I don't own an ipod. But my three favorite songs of all time are, “Dear Mama” by Tupac Shakur, “Volver, Volver” by Vicente Fernandez, and “Californication” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. All three songs resonate deeply with my life.
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be? Why?
I would like to be a pet dog so that I could be spoiled by a nice loving family.
Have you traveled outside of the United States? If so, where?
No, I immigrated to the United States from Mexico when I was a young child and have not had the opportunity to travel outside the U.S. as of yet. However, I will be traveling to Puerto Rico this summer :-) I'm looking forward to experiencing the culture, learning about the history, and just simply interacting with the people of Puerto Rico. It's going to be a great way to conclude my undergraduate education at UCLA.
Which is the funniest prank played on you or played by you?
One night when I was ten years old, my brother and I were asleep in bed. Suddenly, we were startled awake by two horrifying ghosts. We were terrified and couldn't stop screaming. Somehow, I conjured up enough courage and strength to tackle one of the ghosts and commenced to punching the figure over and over and over. My mom threw off the sheet she was wearing and pulled me off my aunt!
What does being a member of Mortar Board mean to you?
It means reinforcing my ideals and character. It means that I constantly remind myself of the commitments and values for which I stand. It also means joining a larger community of diverse leaders who are working to improve the world, each through their own unique perspectives, passions, and efforts.
People-Centered, Compassionate, Focused
What is your best quality? Give an experience when you have put this quality to use.
The ability to stay grounded in my life experiences. Despite all the success and failures in my life, I have never forgotten my roots. Although I have gone through many positive experiences and changes, I believe I am no better than the person next to me. Growing up, my siblings and I were raised with a strong sense of respect and compassion for all people regardless of our differences. I carry these two qualities throughout my life and apply them in my day to day interactions with people.
What are your interests?
I enjoy living a healthy and active lifestyle. I'm constantly challenging myself to do new things that pushes the limits of my mind and body. I enjoy staying active: playing basketball, running, bicycling, swimming and practicing martial arts. I plan on running a triathlon later this year. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and watching documentaries.
What do you like about UCLA?
UCLA has transformed my life. Coming from a poor-working class, immigrant background and attending an institution such as UCLA has opened the doors of the world to me. What I love about UCLA is the opportunities, the community, and the ability to investigate the world and make a positive impact on it. I believe UCLA prepares students to become agents of social, technological and cultural change. Plus, I am proud of the relationships and friendships that I have built while at UCLA.
What is one thing you would like to change at UCLA?
Tuition. Although UCLA provides excellent financial resources and assistance, the cost of attending a UC is a bit too pricy for a public university and it seems as if the price just keeps on climbing. If I could change anything it would be the cost of attending a UC.
What has been your biggest learning experience
Having the ability to work and study in our nation's capital Washington D.C., and in our state's capital Sacramento. Working in these two places allowed me to understand how individuals and communities fit into the larger picture of society. Additionally, It allowed me to meet and learn from incredible leaders working to create and advance the world through innovative solutions and projects. It also provided me with opportunity to build powerful networks of young people working towards a more equitable and just society.
Name two movies you could watch over and over again? Why?
Shawshank Redemption for its great storyline and Forrest Gump for its wonderful character.
What is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is One-Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I enjoy the way in which Marquez crafts the story and characters. The book has a unique way of communicating human emotion and experience through words. It is a masterful book that everyone should read.
If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why?
If I could meet anyone in history, it would have to be my grandmother. I never had a chance to meet my grandmother before she passed away. If somehow I could go back in time, I would love to get to meet and hear my grandmother's voice and stories. She was an incredibly charismatic, loving person who helped those less fortunate in any way she could despite her limited resources.
If you could go anywhere in the world for a day where would you go and why?
I don't have one specific place I prefer. If I had the ability to travel the world I would take a trip through Latin America and experience the broad range of peoples and cultures throughout the region. I would love to visit the cities, communities, and historical sites of Brazil, Mexico and Peru.
What career would you like to pursue after graduation? Why?
I would like to pursue a career in higher education and community development. I want to build a career that works toward creating a more sustainable, safe, and healthy environment for all people. Specifically, I would like to work on empowering and strengthening the socio-economic position of communities of color in Los Angeles and throughout the nation.
What characteristics does it take to become a great leader?
Passion, dedication and vision are some of the most important qualities to become a great leader. I believe that without passion and dedication one cannot be a successful servant to others. One must also have a clear vision of an ultimate goal or destination, from which one can inspire others to move forward. These three characteristics go hand in hand and cannot work alone without the other. To become a great leader one must possess these three characteristics.
Name one person you admire? Why?
I admire my mother above everyone else. Her powerful sense of independence, her great heart, and her persistent nature. She's a wonderful, strong women who has overcome insurmountable obstacles in her life. She's a major influence in my life and much of my character is a reflection of hers. A second figure I admire is Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay). I admire the way in which he took a stand for what he believed and the eloquent way in which he expressed himself. He was a sports figure that transcended his sport, who used his popularity to advance Civil Rights, provide commentary on racial injustices and stood against the Vietnam War. Today, you don't see many athletes or entertainers of his caliber using their voice for a larger cause, nor truly speaking their mind in an attempt to protect their marketability.
Who has been your most influential professor and why?
Two professors, the first is Octavio Pescador, of the UCLA International Institute. Through him I learned the ability to apply what I am learning in the classroom to the community setting. He was able to easily connect how academia and service in the community went hand in hand and how a person could serve their community while also engaging in academia. The other is my history professor Juan Gomez-Quinones, he instilled in me a sense of pride and dignity in my community and heritage and provided a historical context to see how my life was directly connected to the past.
Which is the one television character that you simply adore?
Steve Urkel from the television show Family Matters, he's just simply hilarious. I really enjoy his character... “Did I do that!?”
What are the three most played songs on your iPod?
I don't own an ipod. But my three favorite songs of all time are, “Dear Mama” by Tupac Shakur, “Volver, Volver” by Vicente Fernandez, and “Californication” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. All three songs resonate deeply with my life.
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be? Why?
I would like to be a pet dog so that I could be spoiled by a nice loving family.
Have you traveled outside of the United States? If so, where?
No, I immigrated to the United States from Mexico when I was a young child and have not had the opportunity to travel outside the U.S. as of yet. However, I will be traveling to Puerto Rico this summer :-) I'm looking forward to experiencing the culture, learning about the history, and just simply interacting with the people of Puerto Rico. It's going to be a great way to conclude my undergraduate education at UCLA.
Which is the funniest prank played on you or played by you?
One night when I was ten years old, my brother and I were asleep in bed. Suddenly, we were startled awake by two horrifying ghosts. We were terrified and couldn't stop screaming. Somehow, I conjured up enough courage and strength to tackle one of the ghosts and commenced to punching the figure over and over and over. My mom threw off the sheet she was wearing and pulled me off my aunt!
What does being a member of Mortar Board mean to you?
It means reinforcing my ideals and character. It means that I constantly remind myself of the commitments and values for which I stand. It also means joining a larger community of diverse leaders who are working to improve the world, each through their own unique perspectives, passions, and efforts.
