CALIFORNIA GIRLS STATE ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT
Our Student Network
How has California Girls State positively impacted you and your educational decisions?
Girls State made me consider applying to a women's college. I loved the productivity and sense of community at CAGS; it inspired me to seek the same environment for my college experience. As a result, I now attend one of the Seven Sister Schools where I've found a level of drive and intensity that is similar to Girls State. My experiences at CAGS also impacted my education by opening my eyes to many scholarships and awards that helped me get into college, such as the Coca-Cola Scholarship, the CSF Seymour Award, and the DAR Good Citizen Award.
What's the best advice you can give to someone who is applying to college?
Don't be afraid to apply to a school because you think you won't get in! There's zero chance of getting in if you don't apply. Also, look for special programs or scholarships offered by the schools you are considering. Although these often require additional essays, it gives admissions an extra chance to learn more about you and why they should admit you.
What are some educational, extracurricular, and professional endeavors you've pursued at Bryn Mawr? How does it relate to what you want to do in your career?
I am an economics major, and in my first year, I got involved in the investment group at my college to learn more about banking and finance. I am now their Portfolio Manager and oversee a $200,000+ stock portfolio. After my first year, I landed an internship at a hedge fund in NYC called Highline Capital and was selected by a partnership between Girls Who Invest and the CFA Institute to participate in an Investment Foundations Program. To explore my interest in a career in business, I attend panels and speakers hosted by the Wharton China Business Society. In the future, I hope to work in business or marketing, and it is a dream to one day work for the FDIC.
What's the coolest thing you've been able to do so far? What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of becoming IRS Tax Certified. This certification has allowed me to travel to low income areas with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and perform free tax returns for the community. It's extremely rewarding that I'm able to help make such a large impact in people's financial lives even though I'm only 18 and have not yet filed my own taxes.
How has California Girls State and/or its alumnae community positively impacted your life and career?
Both California Girls State and my experience as a Junior Counselor gave me the confidence to be a leader in other aspects of my life. When I got to college, I used the skills I gained at CAGS to run for Class President. I truly owe my ability to effectively campaign, quickly write speeches, and successfully create a platform to my time at Girls State. Additionally, participating in the GSAF Summer Fundraiser taught me how to communicate with businesses, fundraise, and market. This has had a huge impact on my college life by preparing me to have leadership roles in clubs and self-government. I feel so thankful and blessed to be a part of this incredible community of women. It is inspiring to witness the success and support of the members of this group. Girls State has changed my life, and I hope to continue my involvement in CAGS to help change the lives of future delegates!
What was the toughest part of the college application process?
I have always loved writing, but when it came down to applying for college, I struggled the most with my essays. It was incredibly difficult to try and present myself, along with my 17 years of experiences, thoughts, and dreams, accurately in 650 words.
What are some educational, extracurricular, and professional endeavors you've pursued to help you prepare for college?
I spent two years interning and writing for a local newspaper, the San Mateo Daily Journal, and served as the Editor-in-Chief of my high school paper. My experiences with journalism helped me with my writing abilities, but also with sticking to deadlines and working under pressure. Additionally, learning how to code and attending/planning hack-a-thons have taught me how to utilize my resources and network. Interning at a biotech research company taught me how to work independently and ask questions, while my experiences in Model United Nations provided me with opportunities to learn about and engage with our world's most pressing affairs.
What's the best advice you can give to someone who is applying to college?
It's a bit cliche, but be yourself. Don't participate in certain clubs or activities simply because they will "look good" on college applications. Colleges want people who are interesting and genuinely interested in what they do. Besides, time is precious; spend it on something you want to do, not something your parents, teachers, or friends think you should do!
How has California Girls State and/or its alumnae community positively impacted your life and career?
At Girls State, I met some of the most inspirational women that I have ever met and learned what it means to be a woman in government, in politics, and in our modern-day society. Thanks to my experiences at Girls State, I am more comfortable stepping outside of my comfort zone and am more interested in the direction that our world is heading in. Girls State may have only lasted a week, but it changed my life and helped me become the person I am today -- I am so, so thankful that I got the chance to join this amazing community.
What are some educational, extracurricular, and professional endeavors you've pursued at UCLA?
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Astrophysics, so my time is comprised of a lot of studying. I also participate in Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) that hosts Relay for Life in conjunction with the American Cancer Association. Every week, I attend at least one sporting event because I'm a saxophonist in the UCLA Marching Band.
What's the coolest thing you've been able to do so far?
As a student at UCLA, I am able to take amazing classes about astrophysics. For example, I took a course called "Stars and Nebulae" with Professor Andrea Ghez, who is a leading scientist researching the center of the galaxy and super massive black holes. I sit in class star-struck (pun intended) as I take notes about how to map stars and characterize properties of light.
I've also taken classes in other disciplines, such as medieval art, cultural geography, and oceanic science. For as different and specific as all my classes have been, they all push me to learn more and become a more critical thinker.
Is there where you thought you'd end up? Did you have any setbacks?
Ironically, I had my heart set on attending University of Southern California (USC), and I had not given UCLA much consideration. When I was rejected from USC, I was taken aback, but now looking back in hindsight, it was probably the best thing that has happened to me. That rejection was the first big disappointment I faced, and it certainly won't be my last. Dealing with adversity has made me stronger, and I'm happy to be at UCLA.
What advice can you give to someone who is considering your field of study?
At UCLA, it's very evident that the STEM programs have more men than women. While the ratios becoming more balanced, I would tell the next class of girls to not be afraid of taking on a challenging path. The study of astrophysics, for example, can be tough, but if you are passionate about the subject, work stops being work. You'll end up in a career that excites you and challenges you every day.
How has California Girls State and/or its alumnae community positively impacted your life and career?
California Girls State offered me a platform to meet and bond with women from different backgrounds going toward different paths. In one short week, you quickly build a community that lasts a lifetime. I keep in contact with many girls from my city, and I go to school with many of them (Shout out to Bruin Staters!).
Right after attending Girls State, I considered a major in political science. While that was likely Girls State withdrawals, and I did not study polisci, what I was looking for was the feeling of pure passion. CAGS brought out a very active side of me; it made me realize that I want to be present in all I do. I want to vote. I want to encourage my fellow Staters. I want to support more women. I want to excel in whatever I chose to do.