Growing up in Indonesia, Ariel Tjandra immersed herself in American television shows, movies, and literature. She formed a deep connection to female-centered narratives where women were celebrated and empowered. They fueled her determination to seek opportunities beyond the confines of traditional gender roles. American television, movies, and books weren’t just entertainment; they shaped her outlook and ambitions.

Today, Tjandra is finishing her fourth and final year at UC Irvine. After persistently applying, Tjandra secured her dream internship in the entertainment industry, the reason she was inspired to move to the U.S. in the first place. She’s been loving every minute of it.

Inspiration for social impact

Before Tjandra accepted an internship at NBCUniversal, she was a busy Anteater majoring in economics. She views economics as more than just an academic pursuit, but as a powerful tool for driving social change.

“I see economics' ability to translate theory into practical solutions with real-world impact as incredibly significant,” she says.

Tjandra already knows where she wants to have real-world impact. While waiting for rides home from after-school extracurriculars in high school in Indonesia, she met kids from low-income backgrounds while joining soccer games that formed on the streets. She also met underserved youth when she participated in volunteering trips to neighboring islands.

“These experiences opened my eyes to the harsh reality that many bright and kind-hearted children had to face. Their eagerness to learn, coupled with their limited opportunities, left a lasting impression on me,” she says.

Instead of yielding to the powerlessness she felt at the time, Tjandra developed a desire to make a difference in their lives.

“Providing resources to support these children's education or other needs became my driving force. My pursuit of entrepreneurship became an all-consuming passion,” she says.

Family drive

Tjandra is heavily influenced by her family’s commitment to community. She comes from a family of entrepreneurs who emphasized the importance of giving back. She saw that the effort put into establishing a business or organization could result in offering resources to help others.

“My family instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to philanthropy,” she says.

To achieve her vision, Tjandra believed she’d need to grow professionally and personally. She decided to chart her own path of learning and self-discovery by applying to college in the U.S. Believing that adversity breeds resilience and character, she wanted to immerse herself into an environment where she’d be forced to expand her horizons. She hopes to channel the money she earns in the entertainment industry or from future entrepreneurship endeavors to support students.

“I left my home behind to pursue education in the land of opportunity. Although my short-term aspiration is to start assisting a small group of students, I envision a future where my impact expands significantly,” she says.

A resilient transition

During Tjandra’s freshman year at UCI, the Covid-19 pandemic struck. She was navigating remote learning with a 14-hour time difference while still trying to figure out the American education system. She, like so many, found these to be challenging times. But a bright spot was taking a course with Julie Kim. During Kim’s remote office hours, Tjandra was able to speak with the sociology lecturer one-on-one.

“For her to give me that time for reassurance meant a lot. I wouldn't be where I am now without her,” says Tjandra.

Kim, for her part, also looks back at those meetings fondly.

“Ariel is incredibly thoughtful and genuine. I cherish those memories because they remind me of why I teach,” she says.

Upon returning to campus, Tjandra flourished. She became a dynamic leader in five student organizations. She balanced multiple campus jobs while achieving notable success in entrepreneurial endeavors. She achieved second place among 94 competitors in the Stella Zhang New Venture Competition, UCI's premier entrepreneurial event. She was awarded first place at Sigma Eta Pi’s Demo Day and was further recognized with the Distinguished Anteater Award, an honorary scholarship which recognized her exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and impactful involvement in campus organizations.

“Ariel possesses so many strengths. She is proactive, organized, articulate, fearless, and very considerate. The list goes on,” says Kim. “If I had to choose her two most prominent strengths, the first would be her infectious upbeat, can-do energy. Her positive attitude not only propels her forward but also motivates those around her.”

From her perspective, Tjandra is quick to credit her success to those around her.

“Within the UCI community, I encountered exceptional individuals who offered me invaluable support and have been instrumental in shaping my life. From beloved friends and family who have stood by my side, to mentors and professors whose guidance has enlightened my journey, I am profoundly grateful to have shared my path with them,” she says.

Full of promise

After graduating in June, Tjandra would love to remain working in the entertainment industry that has inspired how she sees herself and what she is capable of. So far, working at NBCUniversal as a post-production and operations intern has been a dream.

“When I got to NBC, it was everything and more. The journey to the internship was hard, but it was worth it. Every bit of it was worth it,” she says.

She also hopes to pursue graduate education someday. While her plans may still be taking shape, it’s clear that Tjandra will achieve her goals when she sets her mind to it.

“When we met last week, I jokingly said that I should have an autograph from her before her career takes off, so I can say that she was once my student,” says Kim. “That is to say, Ariel has a promising future ahead, and she is well-prepared to tackle it head-on.”

--Jill Kato for UCI School of Social Sciences