The COMPLETE UCLA College Experience

Hi, I'm Denise and I'm a third year.  There are a lot of things that I've experience during my three years here at UCLA that I would consider life-changing and there are a lot of things I am determine to try before graduating next year.

College is an amazing time to get outside of your comfort zone and try out new experiences. You are at the prime of your youth, so why not make the most of it and enjoy your time at one of the most beautiful campuses in the world? Here, I have compiled a list of 10 things you should definitely check out during the four years that you are here. :)

1. Unicamp: Become a camp counselor to underprivileged kids for a week! Build future leaders from the get-go and inspire the children to become the best they can be.  I honestly cannot describe all the feels I get from doing Unicamp--it was probably one of my most life changing experiences to see how I can impact a young boy/girl's perspective on life and to show them their opportunities are endless.  Although it did take a lot of time and commitment, it was definitely worth every second of it in the end :)
2. Dance Marathon: Take a stand against AIDS and dance for 26 hours straight.  It's about time we find the cure and eradicate this disease off the face of earth.
3. UCLA vs. USC: basketball game, football game, anything!! Whether you tailgate, or camp out for tickets, seeing the LA-SC rivalry at its finest is something you do not want to miss.
4. Ice blocking at Jans Steps: Is it illegal? Who knows. Is it dangerous? Probably. But it sure is a lot of fun. Grab a group of friends and a big block of ice and sled down the grassy hill by Jans Steps. It is exciting, thrilling and electrifying.
5. Dinner for 12 Strangers: A fancy dinner with 12 people you've never met. Alumni, undergraduate, and graduate from all walks of life sharing one meal together. Talk about diversity! Make sure you sign up right when the email comes out. Don't hesitate. I was hesitant my first two years here and wasn't able to secure a spot, but I am going this year for the first time.
6. Tunneling: This is definitely not allowed, but if you are bored at midnight and feeling adventurous and risk-taking, grab a flashlight and explore the underground pathways of UCLA.
7. Perform in a culture night: So many culture nights. Oh, but the thrill of performing on stage for 500+ people!
8. Undie run: Must I explain? It happens at the end of every finals on a Wednesday. So if your finals are already done, get undressed and join in on this exciting adventure. ;)
9. Explore the roof of ALL of the buildings: MS, Boelter, Broad, Royce (I've only been on top of MS and Boelter)
10. Study abroad: why not. You only live once, so might as well explore the world. If you are a south campus major, there is a physics program in England that you should look into (advice I wish someone told me when I was a first year) All you gotta do is plan ahead and apply immediately once the program opens up.

Third Year To-Do List

As you may or may not know, I will be entering my third year at UCLA! A new year with new experiences and goals to achieve. I have always been a fan with going back to school in the fall; the thought of it is too beautiful: new boys, new clothes, new classes, new friends..makes me feel like I'm in high school all over again. But just as much as I reminisce high school, I absolutely LOVE college. I love starting school once again, because I get to see all of my friends. I absolutely adore my college friends, my college campus, just everything about it. It makes me feel busy and successful and ambitious at the same time, so I decided to make a list of all the things to be accomplished this year.

1. Tailgate a football game.
2. Go to a masquerade ball!
3. Travel abroad. Anywhere, please
4. UCLA v. USC football game
5. Attend a wild Halloween party. With classy costumes ;)
6. Roadtrip to Nor cal! (possibly visit Berkeley?)
7. Research, research, research. Intern. Something
8. Holi Festival! I've never been to one of these before :(
9. Host a kickback at my apartment.
10. Professionally get my hair colored.
11. Dinner for Strangers.
12. Vegas? Maybeee
13. Tunneling. It's time to break those rules.
14. Hit the gym, at least ten times each quarter.
15. Get some rec letters going ;)
16. Fall Training Conference (it's always fun!)
17. Travel to the Big Apple and visit my best friend.
18. Ice blocking, again and again and again.
19. Splash in the fountain! Never been done, but I've always wanted to
20. Highlighter Party; Highlighter Party!!
21. Go to a rave with my homegirls
22. The GROVE!!! During winter time when the pretty lights are out.
23. Get a 4.0 GPA for at least one quarter.

Amidst the post-labs and quizzes and finals

I am surviving. I promise myself that I would finish this quarter off strong and strong I must. I don't know how many late nights and all nighters and coffees I have to take in order to take on this daunting task, but I can do it. I will come out on top. And when that Friday comes, two weeks from now, I will jump and soar and be the happiest I can be, because FINALLY I will be on summer break.

I am close to finishing off my second year at UCLA. A year filled with ups and downs, tears, sweat, passion, faith, lost of hope, spiritual wealth, grueling work, serious fights, intense nights, early mornings, fun, spontaneous adventures, crazy weekends, diversity, love-making, fashion, photography, ambitions, falls, drama, sweet dreams. My second year has been EVERYTHING I could have ever imagined. I completed things I didn't even think I could, in a million years. Family head, Dance Marathon, UNICAMP, even Dance specialist, DCON talent act, FTC, Go West, ice blocking, prom, Masquerade Ball, Star of the moment, scored the pharmacy clerk job at my school's pharmacy...the list goes on and on. And yet, despite all this madness, my health is great. My grades could be better. My mentality at UCLA has improved tremendously, and I am more than ever deeply in love with my boyfriend of over 1.5 years. This is crazy, but it's happening. It happened. And it will continue to happen. :)

As a senior in high school, I felt lost, insecure, peer pressured. Towards graduation, I've never felt more confident, happy and carefree in my life. Going through my first year, I lost that sense of confidence and belonging. Instead, I felt miserable, unsure, stuck, out of place. It wasn't until the start of this year, 2012, that I regain that sense of belonging. Everywhere I go now, I feel loved, accomplished, and smart. But this journey is far from over. Although I am now sure of my future, I know the road there is tough and unpredictable. I cannot account for the twists and turns along the way, as I'm sure there will be many over the next couple of years. I am determined to pull through this, determine to get my Pharm D. to be a kind, and bright pharmacist, to bring light, hope and inspiration to hundreds of people that I will one day serve in my community. I believe I can get there. It may not be the route that I want to take, but the end result is the same. I see my name in shining lights. Best believe it.