My Support System

While there are many words that reflect all of the wonderful attributes of Bruin Belles, in my opinion the one word that best defines this incredible group of women is supportive. There is nothing that quite compares to the support that comes from Bruin Belles. Belles are there for you if you need mentorship, want to discuss world issues, need someone to lean on, want someone to volunteer with, and truly everything in between. These women are always there for you, especially when it comes to supporting the things that you are passionate about; for me that is fighting Pediatric HIV/AIDS. Every year the Pediatric AIDS Coalition at UCLA, an organization I am a part of, holds a 26-hour Dance Marathon during which we take a literal stand to raise money and awareness to support the end of pediatric HIV/AIDS and the stigma that surrounds it. For me what makes Dance Marathon special is the support of Bruin Belles. Bruin Belles never fails to have a team of passionate, fun, and philanthropic women at Dance Marathon to support an extremely important cause that is personally very important to me. When the rigor of the event began to get the best of me I knew I could always turn to a friendly Bruin Belle to lift my spirit and boogie with. There is no other group of people that I would rather get to spend 26 hours straight with while we bond over our shared passion for philanthropy. The support of Bruin Belles allows each us to pursue and share our passions and is what has made me feel most at home here at UCLA. I can’t imagine getting through college and life without the unwavering support of Bruin Belles.

Shivani Desai

Distinguished Belle

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What I Didn't Know

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Finding My Home

My time as a Bruin Belle has been incredibly transformative. This exceptional group of empowered women has not only enriched my college experience but also inspired me to make a lasting impact on the world. Entering UCLA, I was eager to find a community that aligned with my passion for service and personal growth. Joining the Bruin Belles provided that and more—a warm embrace within the vast UCLA landscape. At the core of our experience is our dedication to service, from local volunteer work to impactful fundraisers. We take action, build connections, and create change within our community. Being a Belle has given me the opportunity to volunteer for initiatives such as dog adoption, environmental activism, food insecurity, education advocacy, and houselessness. Through volunteering in various areas of our community, I have found purpose and a newfound passion for advocacy. Additionally, BBSA is more than a service organization to me; we are a sisterhood that fosters leadership. The s

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