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Kickin' It With SOAR

There are a lot of ways to spend a Saturday morning but, in my opinion, one of the best ways is volunteering with Saturday Opportunities for Adaptive Recreation.  With SOAR, Bruin Belles get the unique opportunity to spend one-on-one time with kids with disabilities by playing sports, hip-hop dancing, or doing arts and crafts.  This Saturday, I played soccer with a group some of the nicest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.  Their determination and positive outlook in the face of each of their considerable difficulties was inspiring, as were their considerable soccer skills.  Each Saturday I spend with SOAR leaves me in awe and gushing to everyone who will listen about how amazing the experience was. 

Needless to say, SOAR is a Belle favorite and I am so thankful for the opportunity this incredible organization has given me to expand my horizons and be an active member of my community through volunteer work.  My college experience has become so much more meaningful since I joined Bruin Belles and made community service a main part of my life, and being able to do this with all the other amazing Bruin Belles has and will always be the highlight of my four years at UCLA.

Katie Gilliland
Distinguished Belle
Second Year Bruin Belle

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