Arlene Grace D. Nagtalon

Experience

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  Pix-to-Stix

  Nov 2018 - Mar 2020

  Graphic Designer

  • With adhesive paper, my colored printer, Google Slides, and other's photos, I turned pictures into custom-made stickers that soon blossomed into a lucrative small business that raised over $500 during my sophomore year of high school that would go towards my college savings

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  UC San Diego Health

  Jul 2019 - Aug 2019

  Volunteer in Radiation Medicine

  • Participated in a six-week paid internship program through the Outreach Program to Inspire Minority, and Underrepresented Students (OPTIMUS) Program• Took part in cell culture and proliferation at Dr. Dwayne Stupack's pathology laboratory specializing in ovarian cancer, shadowed various cancer doctors, acquired skills in cell behavior and cell proliferation, and learned more about my options for secondary education• Worked in outreach to students at the Elementary Institute of Science on healthy eating habits and ways to develop them, as well as offering healthier alternatives to common junk foods• Presented a research poster on the relationships between FAK and chemotherapy at the culminating Summer Symposium hosted at the Elementary Institute of Science to parents, peers, and colleagues Show less

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  Voices of Gen-Z

  Apr 2020 - May 2021

  Writer

  • Researched and wrote thought-provoking articles on COVID-19 and mental health impacts, highlighting local figures in San Diego county.• Collaborated with writers and editors nationwide to meet deadlines for drafts and editing.

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  College For All Program

  May 2020 - Aug 2024

  • Offered 1:1 guidance to college-bound students for their college essays, personal statements, and essays used in applications for personal development, industry, or other enrichment programs including, but not limited to, fellowships, scholarships, and professional opportunities• Specialized in advising students on all there is to know about the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) college systems outside of colleges and universities that use the Common or Coalition Applications• Spoke on personal experiences on college application process and discussed current experiences in college as a first-year undergrad student at UC San Diego Show less

  • Associate Director of College Guidance & California System Specialist

    Jan 2021 - Aug 2024

  • Scholar

    May 2020 - Dec 2020
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  UC San Diego Health

  Jun 2020 - Jul 2020

  Research Methodology Training Laboratory (RTML) Fellow

  • Gained skills in biochemistry, chemistry, spectrophotometry, mass and volume, and protein purification• Acquired knowledge in dilutions, buffers, and solutions, Michaelis-Menten kinetics and plotting, as well as SAT Prep

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  Mindset & Milestones

  Jul 2020 - Aug 2020

  Student Ambassador

  • Learned valuable business and entrepreneurship skills, such as digital communication, project management, creating a brand, budgeting, etc.• Received exlusive 1:1 mentorship from the Mindset & Milestones Founder and UCLA Alum, Diondraya Taylor• With the help of the Mindset & Milestones step-by-step workbook, I developed my own nonprofit idea to create a podcast with the focus of decreasing the mental health stigma during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic• Honed in on my communication skills and obtained experience through webinars focusing on various topics in professional development• Networked and collaborated with other motivated and ambitious high school students from across the nation Show less

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  Tinuiti

  Sept 2020 - Nov 2020

  Digital Marketing Intern

  • Introducted to the world of digital marketing trhough real, hands-on experience working for Tinuiti as part of their T-Up paid, 12-week program for high school seniors across the country• Gained skills in leadership, training, tasks, final projects, and mentorship• Worked in actual accounts across various industries and channels like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and more• Led the cohort with five other interns to create a final project proposition of a company (ThredUp) undergoing each of Tinuiti's digital marketing branches• Collaborated with colleagues from San Diego and in Florida Show less

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  San Diego Unified School District

  Oct 2020 - Jun 2021

  • Spearheaded communication initiatives as the first-ever Communication's Director for the San Diego Unified School District's Student Advisory Board, ensuring student voices were heard on various platforms• Collaborated with district leaders to advocate for student rights and mental health awareness, presenting key policies to the Board of Education• Successfully campaigned for the election of the 2021-2022 Student Board Member, prioritizing student development and well-being • Represented my sub-district and over 140,000 students within San Diego Unified, which is the second-largest school district in the state of California, along with 23 other students ranging from 6th-12th grade

  • Communication's Director

    Oct 2020 - Jun 2021

  • Student Representative

    Oct 2020 - Oct 2020
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  Self-employed

  Jan 2021 - Aug 2024

  Essay Editor

  • Scheduled 1:1 meetings with 30+ students from across the globe to improve their essays and personal statements for college enrichment programs and college applications• Followed up with students over various drafts of personal statements and essays• Advised students on how to tackle various types of prompts and what life experiences they have that would best answer the question at hand• Offered personal advice on mistakes I've made with prompts and how to avoid making common errors when writing and showcasing your personal voice Show less

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  Kode With Klossy

  Jun 2021 - Mar 2022

  • Selected from a competitive pool of applicants exhibiting proficiency in one or more programming languages and a passion for empowering young women and non-binary individuals• Collaborated with a team of instructors for and throughout a three-day coding workshop series to deliveer lessons, provide technical support, and build an empowering community• Ensured scholar understanding and proficiency in website development coding skills by responding to scholar feedback, facilitating remediation lessons, and supporing scholars throughout their website development• Fostered a positive, inclusive classroom culture by leading team-building activities and discussions about the culture of technology Show less • Selected to receive a scholarship for a two-week, intensive summer program dedicated to educating and empowering young women and non-binary students in STEAM• Used CSS, HTML Java, Javascript, and Flexbox to develop UpTeen, a financial online resource and website with a built-in calculator that teaches teenagers how to manage their money to tackle low financial literacy rates seen in youth across the globe• Collaborated with other team members through software process and cycle, including pitching, wireframing, developing, and presenting the first iteration of UpTeen with a minimal viable product (MVP) Show less

  • Alumni

    Jul 2021 - Mar 2022

  • Campus Workshop Facilitator

    Oct 2021 - Dec 2021

  • Scholar

    Jun 2021 - Jul 2021
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  TutorEye Inc.

  Aug 2021 - Jun 2022

  • Lead a cohort of 33 university student ambassadors across the globe to carry out various tasks that increase TutorEye's audience and brand recognition• Scheduled emails and international calls with student ambassadors to ease worries and concerns about tasks to complete on behalf of the company • Spoke as a panelist in webinars on topics such as mental health, my past tutoring experiences, the necessity for e-tutoring services, as well as life as a college student to students and parents• Discussed with counselors, faculty, and other administration nationwide on ways to cope with exam induced stress and mental health during a student's educational career

  • Student Ambassador Coordinator

    Jan 2022 - Jun 2022

  • Guest Speaker

    Aug 2021 - Jan 2022
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  California 100 Initiative

  Jun 2022 - Mar 2023

  California 100 Futures Fellow
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  Reality Changers

  Jul 2022 - Jun 2023

  Reality Changers College Ambassador
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  State of California

  Jul 2022 - now

  #Californians For All College Corps Fellow
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  San Diego Unified School District

  Aug 2022 - now

  • Acted as a liaison between the University of California, San Diego, and Morse High School to provide resources for first-generation college students.• Unified Morse High School with the southeast San Diego area to promote identity-based work, civically-engaged mindsets, and community service.• Oversaw operations and outreach of the SALAS (Support and Advice Living as an Asian/Asian-American Student) club at Morse High School, providing leadership opportunities for Asian American students, and assisting with their annual Asian Cultural Celebration Show less

  • APIDA Board Coordinator

    Jul 2024 - now

  • Ethnic Studies Department Intern

    Mar 2024 - now

  • Youth Advocacy Intern

    Sept 2022 - now

  • Teaching Assistant

    Aug 2022 - now
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  UC San Diego

  Aug 2022 - Dec 2023

  Transfer-Year Experience Discussion Leader

  • Led weekly discussions with ~30 transfer students, providing guidance on maximizing resources at UC San Diego• Supported students in securing jobs and internships through resume workshops and elevator pitch practice• Collaborated with Dr. Leslie Carver, Provost of Marshall College, to enhance student engagement during lectures and discussions

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  TEDxUCSD

  Jan 2023 - Feb 2023

  TEDx Speaker
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  Freelance

  Sept 2023 - Aug 2024

  Private Tutor
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  Blindspot Collective

  Sept 2023 - Oct 2023

  Entertainer

  • Attended rehearsals 6 days a week during September 2023 as part of the ensemble performing during two weekends in October 2023, learning traditional Filipino dances like Tinikling, Maglalatik, and Pandanggo sa Ilaw• Discovered my great-grandfather was a Filipino World War II veteran, gaining a deeper appreciation for resilience and my Filipino roots• Made my entertainer debut in a professional show with Blindspot Collective in San Diego, working alongside a seasoned creative team

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  UC San Diego

  Aug 2024 - now

  Wet Lab Research Assistant

  • Investigating the effects of vaginal microbe-derived metabolites on bacterial vaginosis in the Cyphert Lab, aiming to reduce BV infection rates in women.• Managing lab budgeting and procurement, ensuring timely acquisition of supplies and equipment for research projects.• Facilitating communication with sales representatives and project coordinators to streamline lab purchases and maintain efficient operations.

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  UC San Diego School of Medicine

  Sept 2024 - now

  Standardized Patient
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  UC San Diego Health

  Dec 2024 - now

  Research Associate

  • Selected as 1 of 7 Faculty Mentor Program Emergency Research Associates Program (FMP-EMRAP) participants out of 70 applicants• Conducting research project under the mentorship of Dr. Edward Castillo in Emergency Medicine Department at UC San Diego Health• Completed series of EPIC trainings to access and work with sensitive patient information.