Hi! I'm Natalie, a Psychobiology student at UCLA on the pre-med track. As someone who moved here from Washington, I remember exactly what it felt like to visit campus for the first time and wonder what life at UCLA was really like beyond the brochures. Since then, I've become involved in campus life through organizations like MedReach, Care Extenders at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and by giving tours to prospective students. I love meeting new people and helping students picture themselves here. Whether you're curious about academics, pre-med opportunities, student organizations, housing, dining, research, or just want honest advice about what it's actually like to be a Bruin, I'm happy to answer any questions. My goal is to make your visit feel personal, relaxed, and fun while helping you get a genuine feel for UCLA!

Hometown

Seattle, Washington

Major(s)

Psychobiology

Minor(s)

Global Health

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I'm actively involved in several organizations across UCLA that have helped me build connections both on and off campus. I volunteer with Care Extenders at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where I assist patients and healthcare staff, and I'm involved with MedReach, mentoring students interested in healthcare careers through my Careers Committee Lead position. I'm also a member of MESA (Middle Eastern Student Association) and enjoy participating in cultural and community events throughout the year. I also serve as a UCLA Bruin Ambassador and Cub Tour guide, where I lead campus tours for prospective students and families, sharing my experiences and helping students envision life at UCLA. In addition, I'm involved in pediatric cancer research at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), which has given me the opportunity to work alongside physicians and researchers while exploring my interest in medicine. I also have experience giving campus tours to prospective students, which has been one of my favorite ways to share what makes UCLA special and help future Bruins feel excited about their college journey.

Describe your college experience

Coming to UCLA from Washington was a big adjustment, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I've ever made. When I first arrived, I was nervous about finding my place on such a large campus. Over time, though, I realized that UCLA makes it incredibly easy to find people who share your interests while also introducing you to people with completely different backgrounds and perspectives. Through clubs, volunteering, research, and simply putting myself out there, I've met some of my closest friends and found communities that have made UCLA feel like home. Looking back, my college experience has been less about having everything figured out from day one and more about growing into the person I wanted to become. It's taught me to embrace new opportunities, step outside my comfort zone, and appreciate the people I've met along the way.

Tip for future students

Don't feel like you need to have everything figured out when you arrive. Some of the best opportunities I've had came from simply introducing myself to professors, applying for positions I wasn't sure I'd get, and saying yes to new experiences. Get involved early, but don't compare your journey to everyone else's. UCLA has so many resources, clubs, research labs, and volunteer opportunities that there's truly something for everyone, you just have to be willing to put yourself out there. Also, don't forget to enjoy college! Spend time with friends, explore Westwood and LA, and make memories outside of the classroom.

Favorite class

One of my favorite classes has been Human Physiology because it connected the biological concepts we learn in class to real human health and disease. It challenged me to think critically about how different body systems work together, and it reinforced my interest in medicine. I especially enjoyed learning material that I could connect to my experiences volunteering in the hospital and working in research, which made what I was learning feel much more meaningful.

Career goals

After graduating from UCLA, I hope to attend medical school and become a physician. My experiences in research and clinical volunteering have sparked a strong interest in pediatrics, and I'm especially interested in caring for children while continuing to stay involved in research. No matter where my career takes me, I hope to combine compassionate patient care with lifelong learning and make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I love keeping free nights simple, like getting dinner with friends, exploring Westwood, watching Love Island, or having a cozy movie night. After a busy week, I really enjoy spending quality time with people I care about and taking time to recharge.

High school or secondary school

Kamiak High School -- Mukilteo, WA

Previous college

N​/​A