Vol 24 | No 1 | Fall 16
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Profiles of Student Success | Robert Barry Ballard '18

ImageSuccess sometimes comes from a particular event, and other times, it is experienced through new opportunities and gained understanding. The latter is the case with UCI student, Robert Barry Ballard. Robert is a recent transfer student studying Business Economics. He plans to graduate in 2018.

We recently connected with Robert to ask him about his student experience at the UCI Libraries, and how its resources and services are impacting his success. Here is what he had to say:

Which library resource(s) or service(s) did you use recently that has helped you to achieve success?
The Multimedia Resource Center, and working as a student employee in UCI Libraries Special Collections & Archives.

What success have you achieved from that resource(s) or service(s), and how has it impacted your student experience at UCI?
Not counting the countless hours spent studying and browsing through books in Langson Library, I have had two great experiences at the Libraries since I started my studies at UCI.

The first began when a friend told me about the wonderful resources available at the Multimedia Resource Center (MRC). The MRC allows students to borrow top-of-the-line equipment free of charge. For students living on a budget, it is a godsend. In community college I took a digital photography class and loved it, but since I don't own a DSLR camera I was unable to continue my interest in photography. Since being introduced to the MRC, I regularly borrow the Canon 70D DSLR and have thoroughly enjoyed taking photos while on my hiking and climbing trips. I also enjoy taking photos around our beautiful campus. I am a creative person, and through the MRC, I'm able to explore my interest in photography and enjoy a better life balance as result.

My second library experience has helped me successfully create a niche for myself at UCI, and that is through working as a student assistant in the Libraries' Special Collections & Archives department. This job has opened my eyes to the amazing resources available to UCI students and community, and has led me to reconsider my future career aspirations. The Libraries' Special Collections & Archives hold the University's rare books and collections, and offer these resources to students, researchers and the community. Seeing such amazing material; including a great collection on the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a special interest of mine, has been inspirational and has expanded my range of knowledge.

An even greater impact on me though, has been from learning about a career opportunities within academia from my co-workers and library staff. Talking with library staff like Christine Kim, Kat Gaffney and Sheree Baugh, has provided me with a glimpse into the various career options available to me after I graduate. I love the idea of working in the academically invigorating, and youthful University environment, and plan to pursue a position at UCI after graduation.

UCI Libraries, in partnership with the UCI Office of the Vice Provost of Teaching & Learning - Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUE), presents Profiles of Student Success. A fun campaign to feature student stories that illustrate how the Libraries help them experience success.

If you enjoyed this story, stay tuned for more at lib.uci.edu/profiles-student-success.