Bruin Belles Service Association: Blog

I remember the day my roommate, Victoria, came back from the activities fair with a small flyer that would have an enormous impact on both of our UCLA experiences. She told me about Bruin Belles, gave me the flyer, and encouraged me to apply. Fast forward to the end of the application process and the two of us are shopping in Westwood when I receive a phone call informing me that I was accepted into BBSA! I hung up the phone and my intense excitement quickly turned to stress, as Victoria had yet to receive a call. After a stressful few minutes (realistically thirty seconds), Victoria got the same phone call and we went back to our dorms beaming. At our first fall retreat, I met some of the kindest women I have ever known. They welcomed me into a family that has been a cornerstone of my time as a Bruin. As a car-less freshman, Bruin Belles gave me countless opportunities to venture into new areas of our exhilarating city with amazing new friends. Belles eased my transition from a small

Coming to UCLA, my biggest fear was that I wouldn’t make friends. In such a large school, it is easy to feel lost and alone. I’ll never forget getting a flier for Bruin Belles on Bruin Walk, and making the last-minute decision to apply. Bruin Belles has been my family here at UCLA. It has been a blessing to work alongside women who are passionate, driven leaders. They inspire me to continually strive for social justice and equality. I see women to sacrifice their time and comfort in the service of others. The opportunity to grow and live alongside these amazing people has encouraged and strengthened me. As a senior, I can look back and confidently say that I have made some of my best friends through Bruin Belles, and have cultivated friendships I know will last a lifetime. To the girls who volunteer, dance, laugh, and cry with me: I love you to the moon and back, and thank you for shaping me into the person I am today. Nicole Albanese Distinguished Belle F