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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 skills and values I develop here will shape my future endeavors, and being a Belle gives me a profound sense of belonging to something greater than myself.

The best thing I did for myself during my time at UCLA was applying to be a Bruin Belle. I have found a place where I feel I belong, and that is a special feeling when at a school as large as UCLA.

Belle Love Always,

Ella Reitsma

Community Outreach Co-Director

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