Take advantage of all resources

I became a Bruin a long time ago. And at my own orientation session, I walked into the Daily Bruin office and got my first story assignment.

So it’s with some kind of weird closure that I am writing to you from the Daily Bruin’s Orientation Issue ““ only now, I’m not an incoming first-year student.

There’s the other part of the circle ““ now, I’m the director of the Orientation Program.

One thing I knew about UCLA when I stepped into my own orientation session was probably the same thing you think about as you begin UCLA now: It’s big. I’m sure you’ve probably seen the advertisements attempting to make you feel comforted and excited about how big is good.

But size doesn’t matter. UCLA is not a world-class university because it’s big. It is world-class because UCLA is rich in tradition and quality. From the faculty and academic programs that are unparalleled, to the outstanding scholars (that’s you), to the extraordinary programs and services, this campus excels in every facet you will discover here.

There are so many opportunities of which to take advantage. However, so many options can seem daunting. UCLA will remain a large, impersonal place if you cannot make this experience your own. To truly get the most out of UCLA, you will need to find a connection.

Use your first quarter here to explore all the richness UCLA has to offer you.

Look into all the vast curricular opportunities that we offer here, in unique course experiences, seminars, minors, internships and study abroad programs.

Enhance your classroom experiences by discovering ways in which to connect to your college community, whether it’s through volunteering or conducting research.

Continue with those passions that have fulfilled you outside the classroom, whether it is in an extracurricular club or sport.

Look into new things that might interest you: There are over 1,000 registered student groups on campus from which to find a new hobby and set of friends.

Explore.

The last thing I have to mention is that this is not a process of exploration that you have to do alone. UCLA has so many services to assist you in the process of getting the most out of your education. There are extremely knowledgeable and helpful academic advisers in your major departments and in your college or school.

There are departments to assist you with finding student activities (the Center for Student Programming), staying healthy and fit (UCLA Recreation), and exploring majors and career paths (the UCLA Career Center).

And there are extraordinary services to support you when you are experiencing stress, such as Student Psychological Services and the Center for Women and Men.

And those are just a few examples ““ there are so many departments on campus from which to choose. All of us at UCLA are here to help you thrive in your journey. Take advantage of it all.

UCLA has so much to offer you, and the choices are all yours. I am so excited for all of you as you begin your careers here, because you have such wonderfully rich opportunities ahead of you.

And if you ever need any help figuring out where to begin your process of exploration, you can always start with orientation. We’re here to begin your journey, but we can also help re-orient you, too. All you have to do is ask ““ from one Bruin to another.

Welcome to the Bruin family; I wish you all the best as you begin your journey at UCLA.

Neal is the director of the UCLA Orientation Program.

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