Hi!! I’m Abby! I’m a sophomore at UCLA and am majoring in physiological sciences on a pre-medicine track. I’m involved in many student clubs on campus and hold leadership positions as well. I am an active member of Greek life and can tell you all about the process of rushing for social​/​professional greek organizations. I also have a position working for UCLA Events & Transportation. As someone who likes to stay active and explore Westwood and the nearby area, I can introduce you to intramural and club sports as well as many of our more outdoorsy student clubs at UCLA! I’m very easygoing and can show you the ropes of UCLA before you commit to spending the next 4 here! I’m also pretty knowledgeable of our different colleges and majors so don’t worry if you have no interest in sciences! Go Bruins!

Hometown

Bakersfield, CA

Major(s)

Physiological Sciences

Clubs, organizations & involvement

-Camp Med: Counselor -Pi Beta Phi: Director of Social Events & Member Conduct Committee Chair -UCLA Events & Transportation: Hospital Valet Attendant

Describe your college experience

Coming in, I knew no one going to UCLA. I opted for random roommates and had only really chatted with a few people on Instagram before getting to school so I felt really scared when I first got to school. After just the first few days, I had met so many new people just by hanging out on my floor and being social around my building(which wasn’t very easy for me before getting to UCLA). Joining clubs and organizations as well as talking to people in my classes and discussions led me to make some very good friends and also gain mentors through those friendships. Also, the quarter system was an adjustment for me at first, and I wasn’t used to the pace of the classes. Midterms were kind of a new concept to me and I felt like sometimes I had trouble balancing academics with extracurriculars and social life. Eventually I was able to learn how to manage my workload and still enjoy my time to the fullest extent. Classes are hard, as you would expect of such a great school, but they are not ridiculously difficult and I feel as though I have learned things that will continue to be useful for me in the future. I have only completed one full academic year at UCLA and I think I can say wholeheartedly that it’s the best school ever. I have loved every single moment here …even the bad ones… and can’t wait for the next 3 years to come!

Tip for future students

Here’s my list of things I wish I knew before coming to UCLA… - Get the free bus pass UCLA offers to students - Say yes to getting out of your comfort zone - Everyone is so ambitious and will keep you motivated - It’s okay to ask for help - You will find your people - Clubs are COMPETITIVE - Go to sporting events! Everything except football and mens basketball is free for students using your ID

Favorite class

Russian 90B. This was a class I enrolled in last minute because it was open, fulfilled my GE requirement, and had high ratings on our version of ratemyprofessor, BruinWalk. I didn’t think much of it at first, but coming to class and seeing how interested my professor was made me interested. It was something completely new and I enjoyed learning about things that are completely foreign to me. I’m also kind of an undercover history nerd, and here at school I mostly only take science courses, so learning about the development of Russia and its culture was intriguing.

Career goals

I would like to be a physician, hopefully in a specialty related to orthopedics, neurology, or women’s health.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Going out to grab a sweet treat or fun drink with my friends before driving down to the beach to sit and hangout while the sun sets. Then go back and spend the rest of the night lounging around with them and watching a true crime documentary.

High school or secondary school

Centennial High School, Bakersfield, CA