Hello! My name is Danibel, and I am a fourth-year (senior) pre-dental student at UCLA. I've had the privilege of experiencing my dream school, and I would love to share my knowledge with you! Let me know how I can help you, whether it's sharing my own bruin experience, showing you the cool spots around campus, or if you have any general questions!

Hometown

San Jose, CA

Major(s)

Psychobiology B.S

Clubs, organizations & involvement

[Greek Life] Theta Chi - Executive Events Coordinator (2025) [Club] Bruins Public Health - Research Assistant ('24-'25), Director of Member Engagement ('25-'26) [Club] Camp Kesem - Camp Counselor ('24-'26) [Club] Pre Dental Society - General Member ('24-'25) [Org] UCLA Residential Life - Community Representative ('24-'25) [Org] UCLA Dental Kits - Organization & Logistics Assistant ('25-'26)

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was a mix of excitement, fear, and adjustment. Leaving home, as freeing as it felt, was overwhelming at first. I didn't know if I would fit in (and I definitely felt major impostor syndrome), what my academics would look like, and whether I would meet other people who shared similar interests. While it took a while to find my rhythm--both academically and socially--getting involved in clubs, making friends, and learning how to properly manage my time made a significant difference. College has challenged me to grow, to think differently, and to tackle life not just as a student, but in general as a young adult.

Tip for future students

Do not be afraid to put yourself out there. It's going to feel like it's you against the world, especially at the beginning when you're in such a new environment, but your experience is what you will make of it. It's everybody's first time in college and they're all thinking the same thing, so just explore everything that campus has to offer.

Favorite class

My favorite class has definitely been Psych 137G, which is Social Cognitive Neuroscience. My professor was Dr. Matthew Lieberman, who is the leader of his field! He coined the term 'social cognitive neuroscience' and our textbook was the book that he published himself. I was truly fascinating learning about the evolutionary and neural mechanisms that drive our social behaviors. Some of my favorite topics included feeling 'social pain,' the hopeless feeling you get when you feel isolated from a social interaction, as well as 'social enjoyment,' the fulfilling feeling you get when you feel included!

Career goals

As of now, I plan to take a gap year after graduating in June 2026. During that summer, I hope to do a summer research program at a University back home in the bay. Following that, I hope to move back to LA where I'll gain experience working in a dental office before I apply to Dental Schools in the Fall.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Coming back home after some kind of activity (swimming, beach, the gym), taking a nice long shower, and chilling with some snacks in my bed with a movie on.

High school or secondary school

Leland High School - San Jose, CA

Previous college

I transferred from Foothill College, a community college in San Jose. My transfer experience was seriously challenging, but that made it all the more rewarding. I had to learn how to navigate the application process on my own as a first generation student while balancing a rigorous STEM course load, extracurricular involvement, and working 30 hour weeks. I had to learn how to advocate for myself, put my best foot forward, and believe in myself.