Julian Ozaeta was born in Sacramento, California, and has resided in the San Francisco Bay Area for most of his life. He attended and graduated with high honors from St. Ignatius College Preparatory (SI) in San Francisco, where he was introduced to various Jesuit values, including cura personalis: a core principle of Ignatian spirituality meaning “care for the whole person.” Julian gravitated toward this concern for one’s holistic individuality, thereafter aiming to wholeheartedly develop himself and dedicate himself to the communities around him. In turn, he has hoped to strengthen his identity as a person with and for others.
During his high school career, Julian prioritized intellectual curiosity and both breadth and depth of involvement. In principal performing arts roles, he excelled in concerts and festivals as a clarinetist in Symphonic Orchestra and Pep Band, an alto saxophonist in Jazz Band, and a bass in Chamber Singers and Mixed Chorus. His leadership in campus ministry included directing retreats and supporting music ministry and prayer. As a student leader of the Arrupe Social Justice Council, Julian represented SI at nationwide gatherings like the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice and assisted in organizing school initiatives. Spending four years on varsity volleyball, he played crucial, specialized positions and enlivened team spirit. In the realm of publications and student organizations, he served as an art director and editorial board member of The Quill Literary Magazine, was a school newspaper managing editor, helped lead Book Lovers and Spoken Word Collective, and engaged in diverse affinity groups, among other school-based pursuits.
Outside SI, Julian actively took part in community engagement; for example, after completing his school service project through Virtual Tutoring SF—a non-profit organization advancing free access to tutoring—he expanded his involvement by becoming a program ambassador to SI. Furthermore, with a newfound passion for creative writing, Julian searched for outlets to share his poetry, such as the Daly City Youth Poet Laureate Program. Informing his perspective on the medical field, he participated in enrichment opportunities touching on scientific research and experiential learning.
By the end of his time at SI, Julian’s academic and extracurricular achievement had earned him his school’s French Award, Insignis Award (campus ministry leadership), and Performing Arts Award (most outstanding performing artist)—as well as an AP Scholar with Distinction Award and several local, regional, and national poetry honors. The summer after graduation, he led SI’s 200th Kairos retreat, accumulated hundreds of hours of clinical volunteering, and joined the San Mateo County Pride Center and Outlet Youth Advisory Board. He also traveled to the Philippines for an immersion program focused on citizen science and marine conservation.
Beyond his education, Julian’s passions range from appreciating art and exploring nature to traveling locally and abroad and spending time with loved ones. Other interests of his include culture, geography, language, and photography.
As of his first quarter at SCU, Julian is a biology major in the University Honors Program, with minors in creative writing and medical and health humanities. Studying on the pre-med track, he hopes to explore the public health and anthropology departments and partake in research, fellowships, and intramural sports. In terms of his involvement in campus life and culture thus far, Julian has contributed his service and strengths to the Santa Clara Review and the Santa Clara Community Action Program, Chamber Singers and Jazz Ensemble, Campus Ministry and Ignatian Center programs, and several pre-professional and cultural student organizations. In the future, he intends to pursue a career in justice-centered medicine and a life devoted to art, health, and humanity.
Julian is thrilled to be part of the spirited Bronco community and embark on his educational journey at Santa Clara University. He is entirely grateful and honored to be joining the Johnson Scholars Program and looks forward to growing as a student and leader committed to competence, conscience, and compassion.