Skip to main content

Enacting Greater Change in Healthcare

From my first day in Belles, I was in awe of the interdisciplinary outlook Belles had in their fields of interests. One Belle was passionate about combining their love for engineering and Disney, prompting them to become a Disney Imagineer. Another Belle advocated to protect the environment while also using her designing skills to create sustainable products, like bamboo utensils, for members to use. These unique interests and diverse ideas challenged me to find what I was truly passionate about and understand how I can incorporate it into my larger goal of being a respected and compassionate health care professional. 
Belles has always presented a wide array of events catering to every individual’s interests. I found joy in attending our scrapbooking socials and virtual Zumba events where I felt comforted and supported in a space to explore my artistic side. By finding creative mediums to express myself with those around me, I found that I was able to connect with my fellow Belles, UCLA community, and charities of the greater Los Angeles area on a deeper level. The importance of tailoring communication techniques in the healthcare field is imperative to overcome any social, cultural, and physical boundaries faced. By using different forms of communication, through nonverbal hand gestures and facial expressions, and verbal acknowledgements, each patient and healthcare worker can understand each other’s concerns regardless of their backgrounds.
Throughout my experiences in Belles, I have been constantly learning of the disparities in society and how I can tailor my skills and interests to serve those around me. I am so thankful for my fellow Belles and Belle alumni who have poured their compassion and support to help me feel supported and loved. This year our board members formed an alumni mentorship program where Belles were paired with an alumni of a similar background to help guide us through our undergraduate career. Each alumni has inspired and guided me to incorporate my passions into my goal of serving the greater community around me. Thank you Bruin Belles for challenging, supporting, and motivating me to step out of my comfort zone and enact greater changes to the world around me.


Simrina Desar
Campus Culture Distinguished Belle






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Imposter Syndrome and Finding Myself

The person I was when I stepped on campus 4 years ago is unrecognizable to me now. I came to college knowing that I wanted to be pre-med but having no friends or family following a similar path, I felt so lost in navigating my path on my own. I started college being terrified of failing. I was so naive and so desperate to succeed I was not taking care of myself. My second year was when I reached my lowest point. I was so depressed and lonely, I considered leaving  UCLA. I did not feel smart enough to be there, I didn’t feel likable enough because I didn’t really have friends. Joining Belles in my junior year was a big part of completely transforming my UCLA experience. Belles was the first time I felt completely embraced by a group of people. It was the first space in which I felt like everyone truly wanted the best for each other. The people and the opportunity to help others were exactly what my heart needed at that time in my life. Service is something that is so incredibly importan
Post a Comment
Read more

A Sense of Belonging

  When I look back at my first two years at UCLA, the differences between the two are immediately noticeable. By the time my second year was in full gear, I was more comfortable, doing better in my classes, and making memories that I knew would stick with me for a lifetime. This change in my college experience was no coincidence- it was a result of joining Bruin Belles.     Freshman year, as it tends to be for many of us, was quite the difficult transition for me to make. Going from living in the same town for my entire life and having been constantly surrounded by family and friends to being on a huge campus over a thousand miles from home was something that I don’t know how I could have prepared myself for. That first year was a lot of trial and error- with extracurriculars, with classes, with my major- any and every part of my life felt like it was undecided and thinking about the future was a daunting task that I avoided at all costs. I often found myself questioning my decision to
Post a Comment
Read more

Impact of Bruin Belles

Without a doubt, I don’t think I could have ever imagined my college experience without Belles. The immediate sense of belonging and love I feel from Belles is beyond imaginable and I know applying for Belles was one of my best decisions at UCLA. As an incoming freshman, the year was extremely daunting. I knew practically no one who would be attending UCLA and the only thing I could remember from my first few weeks was my dorm room walls. Being extremely shy, I had yet to establish any secure friendships.  Looking back, I know now that I could have probably tired a little harder, but this also would have never happened without joining BBSA. Upon seeing Belles at the activities fair and then at open house, I was astounded at the sense of sisterhood and support network Belles practically radiated. Even during the interview process (where I’m pretty sure I constantly said “I’m so sorry. I’m so nervous”), every Belle comforted me and allowed me to become more expressive and open.  Upon Fal
Post a Comment
Read more