By Rajima Danish
Welcome incoming students. I’m thrilled to be among the
first to officially welcome you to the university, and to
congratulate you for all that you have accomplished thus far and
the many more successes to come.
I graduated in spring 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in
psychobiology, and I will be returning in the fall as the assistant
resident director of Sproul Hall.
The years I’ve lived in the residence halls on the Hill
have been nothing short of incredible.
My time here has been filled with much laughter, some tears,
incredible people and the best life lessons I could ever have hoped
to learn while in college.
I’ve learned so much about myself, the world at large and
the role I want to play in life while living here.
And this was all made possible by taking advantage of the
resources this university offers.
I urge you participate just as much ““ and more. This is
truly your time and your place.
This is your opportunity to make positive developments in your
own life and in the lives of others, to learn how to improve the
conditions around you and make a positive impact in your
community.
If students take up this charge and heed the mission of this
great university and its residential communities to be safe,
supportive and inclusive, they will really be able to achieve their
highest aspirations ““ not just in college, but in life.
Do not hold back while you’re here. You are expected to do
your best to make a positive impact for yourself and the global
community, but you are never alone in this seemingly daunting
journey.
In my experience, the best resource this university offers is
its people.
I am speaking in particular of the student and professional
staff who have dedicated their work to helping you, both as a
student and as a resident.
As a former student leader, resident assistant, front desk
worker and research assistant, I have seen the potential for the
very best here on the Hill and throughout campus.
The people who volunteer and work here have made a commitment to
the high goals of the university and all its parts in an attempt to
help themselves and others.
So while attending UCLA may feel overwhelming at first, take
heart in the fact that there are hundreds of people ready to
support you through both the good and the bad in your life.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Just talk to some of
these committed people.
Among them are your orientation counselor, your RA, your program
assistant, your student leaders, your student health advocates,
your front deskers, your faculty in residence, your teaching
assistants and your professors.
The list goes on and on. These people represent links to the
greater power of the university of which you are now a part. Each
of these people can help you learn more and do more.
So utilize them as the greatest gift UCLA offers you while you
live here on this beautiful hill.
Good luck, and congratulations again.
Danish was an RA for three years in Hedrick Hall.