Of all the racquet sports, badminton takes the quickest eye. The birdie is easily missed as it can often go unnoticed in the air. Janan Dea, president of the badminton club here at UCLA, has batted the shuttlecock around since freshmen year of high school.
As president, Dea values his fellow athletes and accredits his ability to lead to his respective officers. "Without the group of them around me, I couldn't do what I do. It would be too much. They help and take on so much individually that my role is easier," Dea commented. The leader's compassion for his teammates translates to all other areas of his life. The athlete prioritizes his time on the court, despite having other responsibilities around campus.
As a member of Grace on Campus, Dea participates in weekly Christian worship. His organization fosters a close knit community, through which Dea has learned to express himself in a humorous and helpful manner. The athlete is a member of Grace's skit group, who plans sketches for events throughout the year. "I try to be outgoing and I like to make people feel comfortable. So I feel like being in the sketch group is a natural fit."
Dea added that he brought his car down from his hometown, in San Francisco, in order to drive freshman and new members around to events. He enjoys easing their transition into Grace, because it is mainly first-years who are joining.
Dea said that the group tries to have weekly events as a way of connecting outside of schoolwork. Recently Grace hosted a bonding outing in Marina Del Rey where they kayaked. Dea and his friends enjoy exploring Los Angeles by attending shows, going out to eat and seeing the city in any way that they can.
As a fourth-year, Janan is approaching graduation, a stressful time for most. But after a successful summer, Dea has little to worry about, aside from ordering his cap and gown. The Bruin landed a job with Grant Thornton, an accounting firm that he interned with over break. He will begin his adult life at their downtown office come fall 2016.
In the classroom, Dea studies economics with a focus in computing, senior. Earlier in his time at UCLA, he was a member of an accounting group, but refrained from joining leadership due to his other responsibilities.
Dea is excited for his last year with badminton, as the league added new teams to expand the club's competition exposure. Past college, the athlete hopes to make time for his sport, as it is a great way to make friends and keep in shape.
