Post by UC San Diego

“I first joined Costco Club at a time when I was still trying to find my place on campus. What started as a fun and unconventional student organization quickly became a real community for me. Over time, I had the opportunity to grow within the club and eventually serve as president. In that role, I helped lead events, coordinate officer teams, build partnerships, and create spaces where students could come together in a lighthearted but meaningful way. One of the things I am most proud of is that Costco Club helped challenge the idea that UC San Diego is ‘socially dead.’ Through events like Costco Runs, tabling, collaborations, and our annual Rotisserie Chicken Eating event, we created opportunities for students to meet new people, laugh, and feel connected to campus. What made the club special was that it did not need to be overly formal to have an impact. It showed me that community can be built through simple, shared experiences. This work impacted me deeply because it taught me what leadership actually looks like. It is not just about holding a title; it is about showing up, creating opportunities for others, and making people feel like they belong. The club gave me confidence, purpose, and some of my closest friendships at UC San Diego. More importantly, it gave other students a space to feel seen, included, and part of something memorable. I hope to inspire students like me—people who may feel lost, underestimated, or unsure of where they belong. My path was not linear, but every challenge, pivot, and leap of faith helped me grow into who I am today. In the future, I want to use my story to show others that they are not limited by where they start, and that with resilience, community, and purpose, they can build something meaningful for themselves and for others." -Jacob Hoang (he/him), Business Economics Major, President of Costco Club, Chief Financial Officer of Associated Students of UC San Diego, Class of 2026 Read more stories from the Class of 2026 and how they are planning to change the world: https://bit.ly/4dZ0Vgr #TritonStories #UCSD2026 #UCSDAlumni #UCSD #UCSanDiego