Hello, my name is Divine. I’m from Riverside, California, and I am currently a third-year student at UCLA majoring in Physiological Science. But let’s skip the pleasantries and get to the real story—why UCLA?

For as long as I can remember, UCLA has been my dream school. That realization started when I was about ten years old, visiting campus for my cousin’s volleyball game. I don’t remember every detail of that day, but I do remember standing in front of Pauley Pavilion, looking at the John Wooden statue, and saying to myself, “I’m going to come here one day.” At that moment, it felt less like a wish and more like a promise.

As I got older, that promise stayed with me. By middle school, whenever anyone asked about my dream school, I would confidently say UCLA. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how competitive it was or what it would take to get in—but I believed in myself. That belief carried me through high school, where I pushed myself academically, took challenging courses, stayed involved, and worked toward that goal every single day.

Then it finally happened. On a beautiful day after a volleyball game came March 17, 2023, I was sitting outside my high school gym when I received an email regarding my admission decision. I opened my email and saw that this wasn’t an email from any of the other schools I had applied to but it was The Email, from The school I dreamt of going to. So naturally I did what any sane person would do, I hid my phone in my backpack and ignored the email. I was so nervous that I wouldn’t get it that I didn’t even know what I would do if I did get it. Then I finally mustered up the courage to open the email which led me to the application portal where the word “Congratulations” was written in big bold letters. I did it, I had finally been accepted to UCLA as a Physiological Science major. In that moment, everything hit me at once—excitement, relief, gratitude. It felt surreal knowing that something I had dreamed about since I was a kid had finally become reality. But more than that, it felt like I was stepping into something I was meant to do.

While getting into UCLA was a huge milestone, what truly makes this place special is what came after. UCLA is not just a school—it’s a community. And that sense of community is what has shaped my experience in ways I never expected.

One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had was participating in the Nigerian Student Association’s annual Culture Show. Being part of that event allowed me to celebrate my heritage while connecting with others who share similar backgrounds and experiences. It wasn’t just about performing or putting on a show—it was about representation, pride, and belonging. Through that experience, I was able to expand my community and deepen my connection to my identity. It reminded me how important it is to create spaces where people feel seen and valued.

Beyond that, what I love most about UCLA is the diversity of the people here. I’ve met individuals from all walks of life—people with different cultures, perspectives, and stories. Those connections have made my college experience ten times better. Whether it’s through Residential Life, New Student and Transition Programs, or simply everyday interactions, I’ve been able to build a support system that feels like family. These relationships have helped me navigate both the highs and the challenges of college life, and they’ve shown me the power of community in ways I’ll carry with me forever.

At the same time, UCLA has also been an incredible starting point for my future career in healthcare. As a Physiological Science major, I’ve had access to countless resources that are helping me prepare for that path—whether it’s academic advising, research opportunities, or connections to professionals in the field. Being in an environment that pushes me to grow intellectually while also supporting my ambitions has made all the difference. It’s reassuring to know that I’m not just working toward a degree, but building a foundation for my future.

Of course, my journey here hasn’t been perfect. There have been moments of stress, self-doubt, and challenges along the way. But what makes UCLA special is that you’re never going through it alone. The people you meet, the communities you join, and the support systems you build make even the hardest moments feel manageable.

Looking back, I realize that ten-year-old me didn’t just dream about getting into UCLA—he dreamt about becoming the person he is today. UCLA didn’t just give me an education; it gave me a space to grow, to connect, and to discover who I am. Looking back, I’ve come to realize that UCLA is more than just an institution—it’s a space where people from different backgrounds can come together, share their stories, and build meaningful connections. It’s a place where culture, identity, and community are not only welcomed but celebrated. Through the relationships I’ve built and the experiences I’ve had, UCLA has become more than just a school to me—it has truly become a home.

For me, that’s what makes UCLA truly special.