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First Year Belle: Karen Bryan


Bruin Belles has been the best way to transition into life at UCLA. As a first year, UCLA can seem like a huge school, whether it’s in classes, in the dorms, or just walking down Bruin Walk. I was overwhelmed and sometimes intimidated during the first few weeks by all of the people I was meeting. I was worried by the uncertainty of where I would find my place in such a diverse school.

Once I heard about Bruin Belles and was accepted into the organization, I was immediately welcomed with open arms. Bruin Belles has given me a community of likeminded women who are all amazing! There are girls from every year and major, and the diversity of backgrounds makes it so easy to meet so many different kinds of people.

Every week I find myself searching for empty space in my schedule to sign up for more events. There just isn’t enough time in a quarter to do everything that I want to that Belles offers! I love that I am able to participate and attend events that I would never have the opportunity to do, or even hear about, without Bruin Belles. In only the few weeks that I’ve been here I’ve already been able to volunteer at a charity gala, referee a soccer game for elementary school kids in Culver City, go ice blocking on Janss Steps, attend a TV show taping, and work at the Chancellor’s event before the UCLA vs. USC football game. I already feel immersed in campus life and Los Angeles, which I am so grateful for! It has been the best way to get involved in the UCLA community and explore everything that LA has to offer as well.

I love all of the Bruin Belles and everything about it, and I already can’t wait for the next three years in the organization!

-Karen Bryan

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