UCLA Sociology Major

Some say we're too "nerdy" for being a good school, and some say we're "overrated" for really being a bunch of partiers who are just naturally smart (and therefore get by)... However, there are a lot of good stereotypes also, such as the fact that we're a well-rounded school who knows how to study hard, and party just as hard (if not harder!). One other negative stereotype is also that UCLA isn't consistent with their admissions, and they reject some people who "should get in" and accept some people who "shouldn't get in."

Not all... the only one that's true is that we're well-rounded and know when to study hard and when to party hard... we may be smart, but that doesn't mean that we don't have great social lives as well. All of us who are here at UCLA are here because we deserve it, and not because they favor one type of people over another. I believe that each of us here has something special to offer, and that's why we were picked to be here. We're well-balanced, and involved in many things other than just going to class. If we were just a bunch of nerds, jocks, or partiers, then we wouldn't have gotten admitted in the first place! Also, we have a great athletic program and a diverse campus with all kinds of interests... and we all get along, for the most part! Events and traditions such as the Undie Run and Bruin Bash prove that we're more than "nerds," and our challenging academic workloads speak for themselves to dispel the false rumors.

I think that the best thing about UCLA is that it's so versatile in terms of the students, talents, and quality programs offered... we have a great academic program, no matter what major you choose, and we also have a diverse range of student groups to suit everyone's needs. Although people say that UCLA is too huge and impersonal, I like that about it for the most part... it's not really as impersonal as it's made out to be, and I love the fact that even on your last day before you graduate, you have many more people to meet and become friends with. Westwood is our college town, and although parking is a huge hassle, it's an amazing place... we have big chain stores as well as many one-of-a-kind mom-and-pop places to enjoy that make Westwood unlike any other place you'll ever experience! The movie premieres are also awesome... There's a lot of school pride, especially when we have a game against 'SC or we're making a title run of any sort. The Undie Run is my most memorable experience, and so is Bruin Bash and all the concerts that I help to organize as part of USAC's Cultural Affairs Commission! I got to meet a lot of musical artists, and I'll never forget that experience!

SOME professors actually do know your name, contrary to popular belief... it's all up to you whether or not you want to make yourself memorable by taking part in class and talking to your professor during office hours. A lot of my professors have had coffee and donuts hours, and other social events to better get to know their students. I'm currently taking one class that has 7 students, and another that consists of 15, so the myth that our classes are always huge and impersonal is not true, although the big lecture halls have their advantages, too. The academic requirements cover a wide range of topics and subjects, and sometimes there are things you'd think that were totally unrelated to your field that you have to take, but then later you realize why you needed to take them (or not!). Most of the classes have given me useful knowledge for the future, but a few have been a useless waste of time.

Most students are left-wing here, and there are all different backgrounds, races, and interests here on campus. However, this doesn't mean that everyone always hangs out with everyone who is completely different than them... many people get more drawn to their own types of groups during college, contrary to the common belief that college diversifies you. However, as we are exposed to many people who are so different from us, it really opens your eyes to the many perspectives and experiences the world has to offer outside of our little bubbles.

I love planning concerts with Hip Hop Congress, the committee I'm part of in the Cultural Affairs Commission office (which is part of USAC, the UCLA student government). We've brought T.I., Xibit, Living Legends, Ghostface, etc... It's a lot of fun and gives me the experience I need to get a job in PR! The Undie Run is amazing... it's on each Wednesday of Finals Week, and it was my first time doing it this past Wednesday... I had an amazing time, and I regret not doing it before! Thousands of UCLA students (most are drunk) run from Westwood to the Royce Quad in their underwear at midnight while doing the 8-clap and bashing on USC... it's an amazing time that makes you really feel like one with your campus!!

I LOVE UCLA, minus a few small things (ie. parking, RA's)... GO BRUINS!! :)