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By Rajima Danish

Welcome incoming students. I’m thrilled to be among the first to officially welcome you to the university, and to congratulate you for all that you have accomplished thus far and the many more successes to come.

I graduated in spring 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in psychobiology, and I will be returning in the fall as the assistant resident director of Sproul Hall.

The years I’ve lived in the residence halls on the Hill have been nothing short of incredible.

My time here has been filled with much laughter, some tears, incredible people and the best life lessons I could ever have hoped to learn while in college.

I’ve learned so much about myself, the world at large and the role I want to play in life while living here.

And this was all made possible by taking advantage of the resources this university offers.

I urge you participate just as much – and more. This is truly your time and your place.

This is your opportunity to make positive developments in your own life and in the lives of others, to learn how to improve the conditions around you and make a positive impact in your community.

If students take up this charge and heed the mission of this great university and its residential communities to be safe, supportive and inclusive, they will really be able to achieve their highest aspirations – not just in college, but in life.

Do not hold back while you’re here. You are expected to do your best to make a positive impact for yourself and the global community, but you are never alone in this seemingly daunting journey.

In my experience, the best resource this university offers is its people.

I am speaking in particular of the student and professional staff who have dedicated their work to helping you, both as a student and as a resident.

As a former student leader, resident assistant, front desk worker and research assistant, I have seen the potential for the very best here on the Hill and throughout campus.

The people who volunteer and work here have made a commitment to the high goals of the university and all its parts in an attempt to help themselves and others.

So while attending UCLA may feel overwhelming at first, take heart in the fact that there are hundreds of people ready to support you through both the good and the bad in your life.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Just talk to some of these committed people.

Among them are your orientation counselor, your RA, your program assistant, your student leaders, your student health advocates, your front deskers, your faculty in residence, your teaching assistants and your professors.

The list goes on and on. These people represent links to the greater power of the university of which you are now a part. Each of these people can help you learn more and do more.

So utilize them as the greatest gift UCLA offers you while you live here on this beautiful hill.

Good luck, and congratulations again.

Danish was an RA for three years in Hedrick Hall.