ALUMNI PROFILE

Reena

Class of 2023

Class of 2027-UCLA

Having spent 6+ years at a small, close-knit community like Dwight Seoul, the transition to a large public school like UCLA was not easy. Though I was getting to know new people every day, it didn’t necessarily mean I became friends with all of them. I was spending most of my time alone and felt lonely. I overcame this struggle by trying new things on my own. I found various activities on and off campus to try out – such as workout classes, design workshops, and a Joshua Tree tour. The fear of being the only odd one out is daunting, but stepping out of my comfort zone has made me feel more self-sufficient. Plus, you never know if you’ll come across something or someone you’ll enjoy spending time with. For example, a design workshop brought my attention to the Adobe Creative Club on campus, and I’m now the official student ambassador for Adobe! In terms of making new friends, I actively strived to make small talk to those around me. Friendships in college take much more time and effort since you have different classes, activities, etc. I just start talking to whoever is next to me. If they reflect my energy, great. If they don’t, we move on.

At UCLA, what have been your major academic interests and extracurricular activities? How have these pursuits helped you in your personal and professional development?

My current major is chemistry. Though I’m not confining myself to a singular path with this degree, I’m currently exposing myself to multiple healthrelated opportunities. I started volunteering at Ronald Reagan Hospital. With my passion for sports, I also found an amazing opportunity for freshmen: a sports medicine internship program, where students can work directly with athletic directors, nutritionists, physical therapists, and athletic teams at UCLA. I love that UCLA has many programs for students to explore unfamiliar fields. I also have been searching for a research lab, but it is challenging as a freshman at UCLA to get into one. However, coldemailing and searching the websites have been beneficial in my professional development.

UCLA is a very diverse school with people from all over the world. Interacting with students from different backgrounds and sharing my story is always a pleasure. While being open to learning about other cultures, many people actively strive to stay connected to their own through joining cultural clubs and attending cultural events on campus. Connecting with students from all over the world has challenged me to stay educated about global events and incorporate them into my learning in class. For instance, I’m currently taking a class called “Rage Against Machines” — a seminar on the history of science. It is always intriguing when students talk about their views on technopolitics with reference to their cultural, geographical, and religious backgrounds. This class has expanded my worldview, allowing me to have more tools in hand when critiquing a journal or writing an essay.

Thisis a tough question because I feel like my future career goals or aspirations have become more uncertain since I began my studies at UCLA. But I don’t see it as a bad thing. Coming to UCLA opened my eyes to so many different pathways. I realized that setting my foot on one single pathway might make me narrow-sighted and stressed. But from my education at Dwight, I do have a broad idea of my future aspirations. I do want to stay in the chemistry program, as I am a woman in STEM by heart. (HL physics, chem, and math trained me well) I do want to constantly learn – whether that be through grad school or med school. I also hope to find another passion project, whether it be in the arts or sports, that will keep me sane and creative amidst the relentless quarter system. Being in a tight-knit community at Dwight that highlights the Spark that every student has made me strive to become a more vibrant individual.

Engage with the community! Whether that would be with my friends, classmates, other students in other grades, or teachers, the community is what made Dwight, Dwight. Whether that engagement was through music via the choir, or leadership with the student council, the Dwight community is what shaped who I am today. Any way that I am able to contribute and be a part of the community was my favourite thing to do at Dwight.

Disclaimer: This is an opinion of an individual so take it with a grain of salt. Talking with many other international students here, the experience of studying abroad can vary to a great extent.

You have the world in your hands. There are so many great opportunities to interact with amazing scholars, a diverse student body, and the unique landscape of your city. So make the most out of it. Go to classes and office hours; not just for learning but to interact with your professors and peers. Search for student clubs you’re interested in; not only the ones you think are “impressive”. Explore your city on weekends. I am so grateful to be studying in LA surrounded by beaches and tourist spots.

Do know that it’s going to be tough. You might get rejected in multiple programs. You might tank an exam. You might feel FOMO. You might feel like you’re behind. Some days (or even most days), you might think to yourself: “This is not what I signed up for.” No matter how fun of a time others seem to be having, you are not the only one feeling down. However, in the long run, this first year brings tremendous growth. In my first year, I learned a lot about myself: what makes me happy, what makes me sad, and how I can cheer myself up. All regardless of what other people are doing. Know that this is your journey, and no matter what the others are doing, you are growing in this process.