Interview with Fabiel

By: Shosei Chiang & Alice Garcia

About Fabiel 

“My name is Fabiel. Full name is Fabiel Ayala. I’m going into my third year at UCI as a education and psychological science major and I’m attempting to minor in English and Spanish bilingual education. At COSMOS, I am a RA on the second floor of Greyhaven.” 

Why did you become an RA? What did you learn from it?

“Ok so, this is my second year as a returner and I decided to become an RA because I really enjoyed my experience last year at COSMOS. I chose to be an RA because I’m majoring in education and psychology, so I’m going in the route of wanting to become a teacher and I think this is a good experience/exposure to the field.”

“I think it teaches me a couple of things, especially this year. I learned that I need to know how to work around people… and try to find some commonalities with these new residents. But they’re amazing and I love it and that’s why I’m here!”

What’s your favorite part about the UCI COSMOS program?

“I like the residential aspect and being able to live with everyone. The summer camp experience is fun because it adds to the experience of COSMOS. I never got that summer camp experience. Not to get depressed or anything but it just wasn’t something that was available to me because I came from a low-income family so even though I’m not really in COSMOS, I feel like I kind of am and I’m getting a glimpse of what summer camp would have been like.”

What words of advice would you give to all the high-schoolers currently attending COSMOS?

“Definitely enjoy it! It’s a big opportunity that not everyone gets to experience. Like I said, I never got the chance to experience it so definitely try to enjoy it and make the most memories … while following the rules. That’s my advice!”

What are some of your hobbies?

“I love eating. I come from San Bernardino so there’s not a lot of other cultural food so coming here, I got exposed to mainly a lot of Asian culture. I love Thai food. Pad Thai. Obviously, Korean food. Not Chinese food though because I ate a lot of Chinese food over there; not a big fan of Chinese food, sorry to say that out loud.” 

“I also thrift. I grew up thrifting because my mom would often take me to those stores. Now, it has become like a trend to thrift, but I still do it because it’s cheaper.”

“I don’t run as much but I used to be in cross country and it was really therapeutic. I got hurt though and I couldn’t really run the same anymore. I’m also learning Korean on Duolingo! I’m practically Korean already.” 

What are your top three favorite cuisines?

“I love Thai food…I guess I’ll say Mexican food, and maybe Korean food.

What's the weirdest food combo you’ve ever had? Was it good?

Fabiel: Weirdest food combo? I don’t know, I’m not weird though, I’m just kidding. Something odd that I eat? I don’t think it’s odd, I feel like a lot of people do it. Like mayonnaise on fries… with ketchup. 

Who are your top three favorite artists?

“Danna Paola, she’s a Mexican female artist, her music is like pop/alternative pop. And then I like this Venezuelan duo, I don’t know how to describe their music, it's like alternative indie. And The Weeknd.”