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A Single Click

Before my first year of UCLA even started, I was already reading all the Reddit pages about the school’s environment, predicting my dorm life through various Youtube videos, and following all the major UCLA social media outlets to get a sense of what college would be like. This was all done in anticipation for the next four years, but mostly stemmed from my nervousness! However, because of all the UCLA content I clicked on for college preparation, the Bruin Belles Instagram account showed up in my suggestions tabs.

And from that single click, my college experience has been life-changing.

Growing up in a mostly Vietnamese populated area, I was able to learn so much about my roots and culture. However, because of this comfort, I felt that I lacked a deeper understanding of the world around me. Thankfully, through UCLA and Bruin Belles, I have befriended and been surrounded by the most diverse, powerful, driven, altruistic, and passionate individuals. Not only do I get to share my interests with the support of so many amazing women, I am able to be respectfully challenged, educated, and inspired. With such unique backgrounds and stories, I am blessed to learn through various lenses from all walks of life. Whether it’s meaningful conversations at Disneyland (of all places!) or Reading to Kids on a Saturday morning, every moment and memory has been priceless. With the wisdom and care from Belles, I have been able to better cultivate my confidence, my sense of self, and my story here at UCLA and onwards.

Amy Pham
Distinguished Belle



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