Revisiting 'The Kidnapping Day': how snapchat turned Patrick Hernandez-ball into a UCLA legend!

In winter, during the throes of finals week, a Snapchat narrative erupted depicting a fictional kidnapping of two students at De Neve Gardenia, UCLA. This gripping tale, presented in rapid 10-second intervals, had students and faculty alike refreshing Snapchat, eager to uncover the story's next twist.

Behind the Snap: Patrick's Creative Mind

Hernandez-Ball's inventive approach to storytelling wasn't limited to the "kidnapping day" plot. This UCLA student had a flair for freestyle rapping, singing, and crafting compelling narratives. With about 40 campus stories under his belt, each raking in an average of 5,000 views, it was clear Hernandez-Ball had a unique connection with the student body.

“The kidnapping story was the big crazy thing that started it all,” said Hernandez-Ball, reminiscing about the day that skyrocketed his social media presence. Following the Snapchat narrative, UCLA's campus was abuzz with #SavePatrick hashtags, transforming Hernandez-Ball from a regular student to a familiar face recognized across halls and cafes.

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And while the "kidnapping" series might have been his magnum opus, Patrick's creative journey on Snapchat started way before. An impromptu rap at Westwood In-N-Out's drive-thru window was his initial foray into the limelight. “This planted the idea in my head that I could rap and make it on the Snapchat story,” Hernandez-Ball reflected.

Guided by Snapchat's daily and weekly filters, Patrick's creativity knew no bounds. From light-hearted cooking videos, like "Ballin’ on a Budget", where he taught fellow students to create 'meals' from desk-snacks, to spontaneous raps, every snap was a hit.

A Natural Performer

Gus Pamungkas, Patrick's roommate and close friend, observed, “I always knew he had a knack for expressing himself," adding that it was heartening to see Patrick's passion align with content people loved.

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Though Patrick Hernandez-Ball hasn't converted his Snapchat fame into a professional career, he remains a beloved figure at UCLA. As he himself put it, “My Snapchats are really me just doing what I have always enjoyed doing. I just have gotten recognition for it.”

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)