One of the many things I love about UCLA is its diversity. I am a fourth-year who transferred to this school a year ago.
I have just a few friends and acquaintances, although just one in particular who I regularly eat lunch with.
But this year, my lunch buddy, Sharon, is busier, trying to save money and spending less time on campus.
At first I was a little lonely but knew I had plenty of reading and studying to keep me busy.
And when you’re at Ackerman or Lu Valle or any of the other places to eat here at UCLA, you’re surrounded by strangers. You select your meal, pay for it, and then wander through the throngs of people and tables trying to find a place for yourself.
Certainly, many people come and eat together, so don’t be afraid to ask and sit next to the diner who is alone at a table.
There’s plenty of space and I am sure it would be rare to find someone who truly minded sharing a table.
In addition to overcoming that fear of being rejected, I suppose, or just mingling with a stranger, you can work on your communication skills and find out about one of the many other personalities roaming your campus.
This week, I dined with a polo player, a Peruvian Ph.D. student, and a pair of women who’d met here at UCLA, been friends for years and whose children had grown up together.
One of those two women turned out to be the dean of postgraduate students.
I met a postdoctoral Chinese student in chemistry and then a speaker visiting the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics.
I know there have been others ““ some more and some less memorable ““ but it’s fun to meet people, ask them questions, hear their stories and share a little about yourself in return.
I guess I am just sharing how much I love being at UCLA and meeting all different kinds of people who do all kinds of different things.
I love the architecture and the landscaping and the tons of students here for many of the same reasons that I am here.
I really appreciate and enjoy being here, and I just thought I’d toss out an idea to students and faculty: Eat lunch with a stranger.
So, Sharon, thank you for being busy, because then I might not have ventured past my safety zone to meet these other people.
Nason is a fourth-year history student.