Becoming a Bruin at UCLA signifies more than just enrollment; it’s about embracing a transformative journey. But What Is A Bruin, exactly? Often associated with the university’s mascot, the Bruin bear, the term truly embodies the spirit, values, and experiences of the UCLA community, particularly its students. Let’s delve into what it means to be a Bruin, especially through the eyes of first-year engineering students at the prestigious UCLA Samueli School of Engineering.
The transition to university life is significant, and for aspiring engineers at UCLA, it’s a dive into a rigorous yet rewarding environment. These students, much like the Bruin mascot – strong and resilient – quickly discover the multifaceted nature of their new identity. Annika Mellquist, a Civil Engineering student from the class of ’22, perfectly encapsulates this balance: “I couldn’t imagine a better balance between school and fun.” This sentiment highlights a key aspect of being a Bruin: the ability to integrate demanding academics with a vibrant social life. The “tougher STEM classes” Annika mentions are indeed a core part of the Bruin challenge, pushing students to apply lessons “during hands-on activities,” such as building earthquake-resistant structures and concrete canoes in civil engineering clubs. This practical application of knowledge is a hallmark of the Bruin engineer experience.
Beyond academics, being a Bruin means embracing the diverse and exciting opportunities UCLA offers outside the classroom. For Annika, this meant joining the Spikeball club team and exploring surfing at Venice Beach. “What I really like about UCLA is that there are plenty of fun things to do to blow off steam,” she notes, emphasizing the importance of well-being and a balanced lifestyle – crucial components of the Bruin identity. The famous Bruin Plate meals, including the much-loved chocolate chip pancakes, are also part of this well-rounded experience, fueling both body and spirit. The challenge of “time management,” as Annika points out, in balancing STEM classes, clubs, and social activities, is a common Bruin experience, teaching resilience and organizational skills.
Jonathan Davies, a Computer Science major from the same class, further illuminates what is a Bruin through his rapid growth and engagement with cutting-edge technology. “I’ve learned more than I ever thought possible in just a few months,” Jonathan states, a testament to the fast-paced and enriching environment at UCLA. His experiences, from attending his first university hackathon to mastering 3D printers and laser cutters at the Boelter makerspace, showcase the hands-on, innovative spirit encouraged at UCLA Engineering. Coding an inertial measurement unit for the rocket club and developing a desktop video game in C++ are just a few examples of how Bruins actively apply their learning and push their boundaries. His involvement in the Engineering 96 class, creating an electrocardiogram, further exemplifies the collaborative and project-based learning integral to the Bruin engineer’s journey.
Jonathan’s reflection on the challenging yet ultimately rewarding nature of UCLA life is particularly insightful. Acknowledging that it “has not been a cake walk,” he embraces the struggles as learning opportunities, quoting Meet the Robinsons: “From failure you learn, from success not so much.” This resilience, the ability to learn from both “epic wins and epic failures,” is a defining characteristic of a Bruin. The supportive and inspiring community at UCLA, filled with “kindest, smartest, and most passionate people,” as Jonathan describes, is instrumental in fostering this growth mindset.
Melody Tang, a Bioengineering student, brings another perspective to what is a Bruin, highlighting the personal growth and independence gained at UCLA. Transitioning to the UC quarter system, with its quicker pace and exam-focused grading, was a significant adjustment. The physical demands of campus life, like living in Hedrick Summit, and the initial challenges in making friends in large lectures, were part of her early Bruin experience. However, Melody emphasizes that the “great experiences” far outweighed these challenges.
Melody’s decision to rush Theta Tau, a co-ed professional engineering fraternity, exemplifies the proactive approach Bruins take to build community. Despite not being an extrovert, she took a “leap of faith” and found a “support group and a family” within the fraternity. This experience underscores the importance of seeking out opportunities and building connections – essential aspects of thriving as a Bruin. For Melody, the “sudden independence of life at UCLA” became a catalyst for self-discovery, revealing her “strengths, weaknesses, and… potential.” Her concluding thought, “What you get out of your experience here is what you put into the opportunities available,” perfectly encapsulates the Bruin spirit of engagement and self-direction.
In conclusion, what is a Bruin? It’s a student at UCLA who is academically driven, embraces challenges, seeks balance, builds community, and actively pursues opportunities for growth and self-discovery. As these first-year engineering students illustrate, being a Bruin is not just a label; it’s a dynamic and transformative experience that shapes individuals into resilient, well-rounded, and impactful members of society. It’s about making the most of every moment, both inside and outside the classroom, and venturing to “take that first step” into a world of possibilities.
