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Imposter Syndrome and Finding Myself

The person I was when I stepped on campus 4 years ago is unrecognizable to me now. I came to college knowing that I wanted to be pre-med but having no friends or family following a similar path, I felt so lost in navigating my path on my own. I started college being terrified of failing. I was so naive and so desperate to succeed I was not taking care of myself. My second year was when I reached my lowest point. I was so depressed and lonely, I considered leaving  UCLA. I did not feel smart enough to be there, I didn’t feel likable enough because I didn’t really have friends.

Joining Belles in my junior year was a big part of completely transforming my UCLA experience. Belles was the first time I felt completely embraced by a group of people. It was the first space in which I felt like everyone truly wanted the best for each other. The people and the opportunity to help others were exactly what my heart needed at that time in my life. Service is something that is so incredibly important to me. Being able to better someone else’s life even when your life isn’t going the way you want, is such a wonderful feeling and a beautiful experience. I am so grateful for Belles for giving me so many amazing opportunities to help people and to experience college in such a unique way.

If I have learned anything in my last four years, it is to take care of yourself physically and mentally before anything else. College flies by before you know it. Take every opportunity to put a smile on your face. Go to that frat party, go to Rocco’s on a Thursday night, eat In-n-out at midnight, but most importantly always take every opportunity to put a smile on someone else’s face. Please take care of yourselves my beautiful belles and if this resonated with anyone, or if you ever need to talk, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I will miss you all so much thank you for everything.


Amanda Andreas

Philanthropy Distinguished Belle

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