Hi all! My name is Jayha and I’m an incoming third year class of 2027 nerdy Public Affairs and African American Studies Double Major. I come a small rural town in Sacramento County and I experienced such cultural shock when I moved to Los Angeles but now consider LA my second home. Not only do I know the fun spots at UCLA, and some tips and tricks to help you academically succeed but I also know some great LA spots, I am a certified foodie. During my free team, I love exploring different cities at UCLA, going on cafe crawls with friends to motivate us to study, or have a fun lock in session at UCLA’s main libraries. I am a nerd who loves to keep her head in the books but I will never say no to getting matcha or trying a new boba​/​tea spot — please invite me to the hangout. Anyways, I’d love to show you the ways I eat through LA, as well as get caffeinated, but I honestly just want to share with you the true experience of what it’s like to be a Bruins. There’s no such thing as stupid question and I don’t think it’s smart to not ask any. Always ask.

Hometown

Sacramento, California

Major(s)

Public Affairs, African American Studies

Minor(s)

Labor Studies

Clubs, organizations & involvement

First Year Undergraduate Student Association Council External Vice President Office - Black Student Affairs Team Undergraduate Student Association Council General Representative 2 Office - Director of Community Relations UCLA Residential Life - Community Representative and Mid-Year Resident Assistant UC Student Association - Board Member Second Year Undergraduate Student Association Council - General Representative 2 UCLA Residential Life - Resident Assistant UC Student Association - Executive Board Member and Collective Bargaining Representative UCLA Law Fellows - Student Fellow UCLA Public Affairs Leadership Impact Program - Student Participant Third Year Undergraduate Student Association Council - Undergraduate Student Body President UCLA Residential Life - Lead Resident Assistant and Office Assistant UC Student Association - Collective Bargaining Representative Hadsell Stormer Eenick & Dai LLP - Undergraduate Law Intern Chancellor’s Leadership, Innovation, Networking & Knowledge Program - Student Participant Pursing African American Studies Honors Senior Thesis

Describe your college experience

I started my transition into college as incoming freshman early. I was a participant in the Academic Achievement Freshman Summer Program. I took 3 classes on the quarter system with UCLA Professors. I also got accustomed to living with roommates in a on campus dorm as well as getting familiar with UCLA’s resources such as Financial Wellness, Counseling Units, and the Career Center. This experience made my transition into quarter way smoother, especially because I was coming from a semester high school system. In academics, the Freshman Summer Program did prepare for the academic rigor UCLA has but I also was able to find free tutoring resources like the Writing Center, which was especially helpful to me as a humanities major. However, what’s amazing about my experience at UCLA was how I was able to explore classes during my freshman year and switch my major as necessary to find my fit. Originally admitted as a Biology major at UCLA, I believed that my career goals was to be a pediatric surgeon, however because of some of my personal experiences at UCLA I learned that my calling was public policy and the law. Once I was settled in my majors, my academic experience only improved. I made phenomenal connection with my professors, Teaching Assistants and other students going into similar and even different career paths. Most importantly, I felt like I was learning so much at UCLA every day, every hour I was in class. In addition I got involved with my school’s Student Government and Residential Life. These two units were particularly important to my success at UCLA. Now going into my third year and graduating early I am UCLA’s Undergraduate Student Body President and a Lead Resident Assistant (RA).

Tip for future students

Academically I would say find 2-3 upperclassmen in your major and create a group chat with them. Throughout the year text them about recommending classes to take, ask them for their books (most likely will have them and will offer them to you, it will save you money), and they will have tips for how to secure internships, research opportunities and networking opportunities in your major. Socially I would say is to pick a few clubs you’re interested in and stick with them. It is good to be well rounded absolutely but academics at UCLA is demanding and if you’re interested in pursuing graduate school you want to have a high GPA but also leadership experience which means you need to be able to balance a lot. Picking a couple commitments your freshman year and sticking with them throughout and growing with them during your time at UCLA will be great for your resume. Another important tip is to take advantage of UCLA’s free resources. I can’t recommend UCLA’s Career Center enough because 1) Free Headshots 2) Free Career Advising (Including Pre-Law Advisors, Pre-Med Advisors and more) 3) Hiring Fairs and Graduate School Fairs (Get hired on the spot or meet admissions officers).

Favorite class

Public Affairs Organizations, Systems, and People. This class was taught by adjunct Professor Leap who had background as a social worker, who particularly works with Black and Brown gangs in Los Angeles. She’s been at UCLA for 20+ years and has been doing her work for even more than that. I enjoyed her class because she brought in formerly incarcerated gang members who shared their experiences and how certain systems and organizations have shaped their life. This was the class that made me cement that I wanted to be a Public Defender in Los Angeles but also work in public policy to change the laws that impacts peoples’ lives.

Career goals

I am currently applying for my Masters in Public Policy and will be applying to law school next cycle to achieve my MPP​/​JDD. My goal is to become a Los Angeles Public Defender, and eventually go into Civil Rights Law Prosecution or being General Counsel for policy firms or policy institutes.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I love to get dinner with a friend in Los Angeles such as Ktown or Sawtelle and then enjoy a comfort movie at home.

High school or secondary school

Bella Vista High School

Favorite spot on campus

Jimmy’s Coffeehouse, location in Luvalle Commons. This is my favorite spot on campus because it’s so versatile. I can study here, I can get coffee with friends and catch up, or I can even do a coffee chat with a UCLA Law professor. In my opinion they have great coffee and matcha, and if you missed breakfast you can use your swipes there 11AM-3:59PM for their delicious bagels and pastries. It is also air conditioned so it’s a great space to go to, to get away from LA’s humidity.