F2015LunaDiana

Hello! My name is Diana Luna. I am a third year transfer student from El Camino College and this is my second quarter at UCLA. I was lucky enough to be in TSP over the summer which was one of the toughest experiences I had ever gone through but it really helped me acclimate to the quarter system, so I am thankful for that. I am originally from Redondo Beach, CA, which is about a 25 minute drive from campus (without traffic, of course). I love the outdoors, romantic comedies, and all sports, specifically soccer. Although I do not consider myself an artist, I do indulge in the art of photography. I have a small collection of cameras back home that allow me to record history, remind me of memorable times in my life, and share where I've been. Photography gives others the opportunity to share similar emotions and see unseen beauty around the world and being able to share that experience with others is priceless.

My major here at UCLA is Spanish and I am doubling majoring in Communication studies. After graduation I plan on going to graduate school. As for my professional career, I am still a bit unsure of what I want to pursue but I am interested in public relations, sports management, talent management, or anything that has to do with film and TV production.

I am a first generation Mexican American and I am the oldest of my family of 5 and two dogs. I grew up in a very Anglo-dominant community so as a first generation Mexican American, I struggled with my identity. I was never encouraged to promote and be proud of my Mexican heritage in my community so my mom had me join a Mexican folk dance group. I was always embarrassed about having to explain to my friends what I was apart of but naturally over time, I began to see the beauty behind my own culture. It gave me a sense of belonging and I was able to learn how to embrace both of my cultures. I'll admit I had never heard of the term Chicana/o studies until I took a class during my summer quarter with TSP. The class I took influenced me to take a deeper look at my people and their struggles and achievements through the eyes of artists and their art!

I come from a catholic background and an important icon I grew up with was the sign of the cross. I have crosses in my backyard, kitchen, in the car and at least one in my room back home. My dad was the enforcer of our faith, though he always meant it with the best intentions. Although I did get baptized, got my first communion and got confirmed, I would consider myself a cultural catholic and not a religious catholic as Professor Lopez worded it in lecture on Monday. I think my problem with Catholicism is that there are so many unanswered questions that it draws me away from it. Also, perhaps the constant nagging of my father to pray to God and the Virgin Mary every morning disillusioned me from wanting to do so. Regardless of it all, I do hope to find the time to strengthen my faith someday.