Who I Am Matters

Hello to you all and welcome! My name is Jaren Aunan and I am from Stillwater, Minnesota (a suburb of the Twin Cities, approximately 20 minutes from St. Paul.) Given my Midwestern roots, I tend to be overly nice and apologetic, I put Ranch dressing on everything, and I say "pop" instead of "soda." I have a plan set in place upon graduation this Spring; I will be returning to Minneapolis to work as an Inventory Analyst at Target's corporate office. I interned at their headquarters this past summer, which led me to accept the full-time position. I will stay on track with this plan by performing up to my full potential in my classes this Spring, but still managing to enjoy the limited amount of time that I have left in California. Eventually, perhaps after gaining a minimum of five years working experience, I hope to obtain my MBA in a part-time program while maintaining my full-time work status.

This closely mirrors the path that my father took. He worked for 3M while completing his MBA. In terms of work ethic and goal-setting, my father and I are similar. We also played the same sports growing up. However, in terms of physical appearance, I exhibit more of my mother's traits. I have her blonde hair and blue eyes. I would also associate my personality closer to hers. Yet I do maintain my independence from my parents, and we are different in some ways. I classify myself as more open-minded and adventurous compared to them. I am less of a homebody and I am always looking to try new experiences.

When I was younger, I definitely operated under my parents' expectations of me. I always desired their approval. But in the present, I have developed my own expectations. I have created a list of personal short-term and long-term goals that I am currently striving to accomplish. But I still look up to my parents and always seek out their counsel when needed. As crazy as it may sound, an additional role model of mine growing up has been Selena Gomez. She has always demonstrated tremendous passion in her work, whether that be in her acting, singing, or activism. She has supported, including but not limited to, UNICEF, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

I have a special connection with wild servals. I believe this connection exists because I have had multiple domesticated cats in my household growing up and I have always been able to create a loving connection with these animals. However, I see myself as less tame than domesticated cats and more outgoing. This naturally gravitates me towards having more of a connection with servals. In terms of the nature kingdoms, I had a cactus plant in my room growing up. This special plant reminded me that some lifeforms are meant to be admired with sight and not by touch. Sun sign: 11 degrees Taurus. Moon sign: 15 degrees Libra. Rising sign: 10 degrees Taurus.