Incoming Bobcats ‘Grew Up’ with UC Merced
This is part of a series of profiles of new UC Merced Bobcats enrolled for the fall 2025 semester.
One could say UC Merced has always been part of incoming Bobcats Ella and Satchel Ortez’s lives. The twins’ father worked for the 10th UC campus when it opened, and they lived with the campus as their backyard view until moving down Highway 99 in 2013.
Growing up “on” a college campus provides a unique background for an incoming student. The two spent a lot of time on weekdays and weekends tagging along to events and meetings. They recalled meeting the campus’s mascot, Rufus, when they were 7.
While both Ortezes were accepted to other university campuses, they chose to attend UC Merced this fall partly because of its familiarity.
They hope to thrive here during their college experience.
Where I come from: I am from Fresno. I attended University High School with dual enrollment at Fresno State University.
What I've done: I was on the honor roll for all four years and was a California Scholarship Federation Lifer. I graduated with a 4.42 GPA. I was a percussionist in the highest band at my school and have been playing for six years. I have acted and participated in multiple theatrical productions with my school.
Why are you excited about coming to UC Merced? I'm excited to attend UC Merced for many reasons. As someone majoring in mechanical engineering, it will be a great environment to cultivate my interests and provide many opportunities for my future. And it is just the perfect distance from home, giving me a distance to have true independence and a full UC experience while still allowing me to stay close to my family and friends. I'm also excited to meet like-minded people and make new friends who will be by my side and help me grow.
Finally, my father used to work on campus, so I practically grew up with it. As such, I’m quite comfortable with the campus and town. I have fond memories, and I'm excited to make new ones.
Academic and personal goals: I hope to push my education as far as it can go here. I hope to (and given how many opportunities are available here, I probably will) get internships and participate in lots of research. I hope my time here will give me the skills and experience I need to launch myself into a successful career.
What’s your superpower or something you are really good at? I'd say something that could be considered my superpower is my persistence and determination. Whenever faced with a problem or project, I will always work on it. This skill has evolved into a sort of adaptability where I'm able to work with any kind of person and make sure they feel as if their needs are being met, allowing the team to work well together and do the best job possible.
What's your favorite type of music or artist? I'd have to say my favorite type of music is classical. I've always loved how, despite having to follow strict rules, the composers manage to create such detailed pieces where every single note is intentional. What I love about it is that I can either listen with the intent to appreciate everything that went into composing it, or I can just sit back and enjoy the beauty it brings to my ears.
Where I come from: I am from Fresno, and I attended University High School.
What I've done: I graduated with a 4.48 GPA and was on the honor roll all four years. I’ve been a part of theater as stage manager, technical crew and props/set building all four years of high school, as well as participating in theater over the summer. I've also played percussion since middle school, and I would like to continue playing in college.
Why are you excited about coming to UC Merced? I chose UC Merced for a couple of reasons. One reason is its location. Campus is close enough to home to be a convenient drive, but far enough away that I can feel independent. Another reason is how highly rated the school is. I have heard nothing but good things about how the classes are, and how easy it is to connect with professors. I'm very excited for the opportunity to work closely with my peers and professors.
Academic and personal goals: My hope is that UC Merced helps me figure out who I am and what I want to do with my future. I want to leave with a set goal for life, and the tools I need to achieve it.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? It would be sushi. Or any type of fish, really; I love fish. But especially sushi and poke bowls, I love those. There's just something that feels so good about eating fish.
What do you do to relax or have fun? I will either draw or play video games. I love drawing and will often draw with a TV show or movie in the background. I love to doodle and just turn my brain off.