Hi! My name is Adora and I’m a first-year majoring in Business Economics. I’m from the San Gabriel Valley, only an hour from here! I was in the International Baccalaureate and my extracurriculars focused on community work and volunteering. A fun fact about me: I love watching sports, especially passionate about basketball and March Madness! In my spare time, I love to watch mind-bending movies, spend time with friends, and find new places to eat. I love the UCLA campus(maybe not the stairs) and would love to show you the ins and outs of Westwood!

Hometown

Glendora, California

Major(s)

Business Economics

Minor(s)

Asian American Studies

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was exciting, though a bit nerve-wracking at first. Moving into a dorm and meeting so many new people from diverse backgrounds felt overwhelming, but also energizing. The campus community here is really welcoming; both students and professors are friendly and approachable, and you can tell they genuinely care about what they’re teaching. I’ve found so many clubs and organizations that match my interests, and being able to participate in those has really enriched my experience. I also love the school spirit—it creates such a positive, lively atmosphere that balances out the academic challenges.

Tip for future students

Take advantage of the resources available to you, both academic and personal. Don’t be afraid to reach out to professors or TAs for help—they’re genuinely here to support you. Get involved in clubs and organizations early on. The school offers such a wide range of opportunities, and it’s a great way to meet people and find your community. I wish I’d known how important it is to balance school with self-care—don’t be afraid to take breaks and have fun, because UCLA can get intense! Lastly, explore the campus and the city; there’s so much more to UCLA than just the classroom.

Favorite class

My favorite class has definitely been Asian American Studies 20: Contemporary Asian American Communities. The professor is incredibly lively, and her passion for the subject makes every lecture engaging. I really enjoyed how the class went beyond the typical focus on China and Japan and delved into the histories of Vietnam, Cambodia, and other countries. It was so eye-opening to learn about these diverse communities and their experiences. What made it even more special was how much I could relate to the material—so many of the topics we discussed connected to my own life and family. It was a really personal and enriching experience that deepened my understanding of Asian American identity.

Career goals

After college, I hope to pursue a career that combines business and marketing. I’m really interested in working with a team to create creative projects, whether it’s developing campaigns, branding strategies, or new products. I also have a strong passion for nonprofits and social work, so I’m open to opportunities where I can contribute to causes that make a positive impact on people’s lives. Ideally, I’d love to find a role where I can blend my interests in creativity, business, and helping others—maybe working with a nonprofit organization or a social enterprise that focuses on giving back to the community.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night would definitely involve hanging out with friends. We'd grab a bite to eat, maybe try a new place, and then indulge in a sweet treat. I love being active, so we'd probably head to the beach to play volleyball or toss around a football. Afterward, we’d wind down by watching a horror movie, snuggled under blankets, just eating way too much popcorn and candy.

High school or secondary school

Walnut High School, Walnut, California