Editor’s note
Since this is the start of a fresh, new school year, we wanted to give the UCLA community a fresh, new chance to get involved. We’re inviting everyone on campus to send a submission to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu about their club or organization, and then we’ll publish them here.
These aren’t supposed to be advertisements ““ we want to know what these activities are about from a more personal perspective. It’s a way for readers to get more information and perhaps learn about something new that they’d like to check out.
Jessica Roy, Viewpoint editor
Club’s camaraderie brings lasting Amigos
I joined Amigos de UCLA my first year, and due to my affection for the kids we work with and the camaraderie in our club, I’ve stuck with it ever since. My position in the club is the co-executive director. We have field trips every quarter with our kids as well as social events for volunteers and officers. Even though there is a weekly time commitment, it makes me feel closer to UCLA as well as the L.A. community. Most of all, just seeing the smiles on the faces of our kids brightens my day and makes it all worthwhile.
Established in 1962, Amigos de UCLA is the longest running project under the Community Service Commission. Though Amigos originally worked with low-income communities in Tijuana, Mexico, we now work with the students of Pio Pico Elementary School to aid them academically and inspire them toward higher education. Located in East Los Angeles, the school is populated predominantly by Latino students, many of whom are subject to unique academic challenges as a result of their socioeconomic status.
Amigos de UCLA functions as an after-school enrichment program; the first hour on site features homework assistance and working to improve fundamental math, reading and writing skills. The second hour engages students in an art or science activity that allows them to hone their creativity, curiosity and cultural awareness skills that are as important as academic excellence. We visit the school on both Wednesdays and Thursdays from second to ninth week to offer flexibility for our volunteers, leaving Ackerman Turnaround at 2:15 p.m. and coming back before 6 p.m. Rides are provided. If you are interested in joining, join our Facebook group or e-mail amigosdeucla@yahoo.com, and we’ll give you more information.
Jessica Wang
Co-Executive Director, Amigos de UCLA
Third-year computer science and engineering student.
Health-focused fraternity has honor and prestige
Alpha Epsilon Delta is a nationally recognized pre-health honor society. Here at the California Theta chapter, we pride ourselves in our unique identity as both an honor society and coed fraternity. Our distinguished members are some of the most accomplished UCLA undergraduates who have pioneered paths to successful careers in health care, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and optometry.
Other than the extensive networking opportunities that AED offers, the major facet of our organization is the mentorship and guidance that upperclassmen can offer. By meeting those who have endured the challenges of these career paths, new members will gain invaluable insight on how to overcome these hurdles and become successful health care professionals. The majority of the members are involved in research and many have been published.
In addition to academic achievement, AED serves as a networking hub for health-related extra-curricular activities such clinical volunteering, tutoring, mentoring and community service. Each year, we hold a campus-wide resource fair where we extend pre-health guidance and advice by inviting health-related student groups and test-prep companies. We also offer academic workshops that illuminate the pre-health journey. The activities and events that we hold foster friendships and connections that keep AED running efficiently.
In UCLA’s highly competitive pre-health environment, it is essential to build a strong network of bright and dedicated individuals ““ ones that will forge lifelong friendships based on mutual trust and reliability.
AED is an honor society at heart, and all members maintain the 3.2 GPA requirement. During the recruitment process, we seek the brightest individuals who will dedicate their efforts to uphold the integrity of our organization.
New members will have the opportunity to meet the active class, where they will meet astoundingly intelligent and driven members who have committed themselves to excellence. Our network of alumni spans nationwide, establishing connections with top-ranking graduate and professional schools. Becoming part of our chapter immerses members in the everlasting reputation of honor and prestige.
Unlike that of other honor societies, AED’s unique fraternal aspect emphasizes the camaraderie that reinforces brotherhood and the cohesive efforts of our members. By forging lifelong friendships based on trust and mutual reliability, AED offers a family of brothers and sisters that accompany each other throughout their undergraduate and lifetime journeys.
For those who are interested in learning more, I highly encourage you to visit our Web site at aedbruins.com, where you’ll be able to find more information about joining the tradition of prestige and excellence. Rush will be held Sept. 30 to Oct. 3. Please e-mail mtchen@ucla.edu for details regarding these events. We look forward to meeting prospective members and expanding our network.
Roland Palvolgyi
Theta Chapter President, Alpha Epsilon Delta
Fourth-year physiological science student