About three years ago, my awkward freshmen self, walked up to a table on Bruin walk and handed in an application. It was three pieces of paper, stapled together consisting of some general information about myself and a few short answer questions about what kind of volunteer work I liked. I had heard about this mysterious club called Bruin Belles through a friend that lived on my floor, and so of course I was intrigued and wanted to apply.
Little did I know that one week later I’d receive a call from a board member letting me know I’d gotten in. She however did not tell me that this would make college for me. Since joining Belles those three years ago, I have not regretted one thing. Not spending my early morning Saturday hours playing with kids, or being knee deep in paper work at the Meals on Wheels office. Or taking a study break to grab pizza or fro yo with the other girls. Belles has truly made my time at UCLA mean something. As corny as it sounds (I apologize, I am SUPER corny) spending my time doing something for someone else or doing something that I know will have an impact really does allow me to “live a perfect day” as Coach Wooden so nicely put it.
Although over the past three years everything has changed from the t-shirts, to the activities, to the girls, I know that Belles is where my heart is and will be there even when I graduate in June. I only hope that many years from now, I will still hear of a strong, amazing group of young women leaders on the UCLA campus making a difference everyday.
Katie Talati
Fourth Year Belle | Distinguished Belle, Philanthropy