Major: Political Science Minors: Korean, Global Studies, Environmental Systems and Society Year: 3rd year
What do you enjoy most about your major? I think everything we experience in life has political meaning. It can be very frustrating at times as people shout "why does it have to be so political?!". However, I find the fact that everything is political is very interesting. Being a Political Science major has exposed me to the interrelations of politics in my personal life. For example, as a female how has my body been politicized, or how have certain political discourses been feminized to devalue or disregard them. Political Science at UCLA especially is a very well rounded degree from the theory to international politics, I think being a Political Science major has made me more aware of the world around me and I think that is very important. Global Studies plays into that understanding as I start to gain a more intimate understanding of how I am involved in the globalization process, and the dark sides to it as well. When we live in such an interconnected world, ignoring globalization would be a fatal move, so I like to stay informed. Korean is a large passion project for me. I've loved Korean culture for close to 10 years at this point, and I've always wanted to pick up the language. I saw the opportunity in college and I took it. I believe college is about having fun as much as it is about working hard, so Korean is my way of pursuing official certification while doing something I love. Learning a new language is always useful.
Why did you join UNA? Favorite Memory? I joined UNA because I wanted to work for the United Nations in the future. Therefore, I wanted to understand how they work on a local level, and also become more acquainted with the actual work they did. Since being a part of UNA, I've come to appreciate the importance of grassroots efforts like campuses like us and it has deepened my understanding of how the UN operates.
My favorite UNA memory is definitely the graduate school speaking panel we had in Winter 2020 with Teaching Assistants who had experience working in international careers. It was very comforting to know that I did not need to rush my career path, and it is important to do the things I love to keep up my passion. It also opened my mind to possibilities of exploring careers after college which I was previously afraid of considering since I felt a pressure to get into my industry of choice right out of college.
Extracurriculars? I'm also a part of UNICEF at UCLA as an Event Coordinator, with the club I take part in a lot of volunteering events which is a lot of fun. I am also a research assistant for one of my professors, and am always actively looking for other opportunities. As of Summer 2020, I would have just ended my year long internship with a LA-based Water Non-Profit called the Samburu Project which drills wells in one of the driest counties in Kenya. Hit me up if you ever want to know more about this!
Career goals and summer/post-graduate plans: As I mentioned my big goal is to work for the UN in the future. Before that, I hope to be able to join think tanks to be a part of critical research and conversations about politics among other things. I do plan to go to graduate school eventually, but for now I am focusing on getting internships and doing well in my classes.
Advice for Incoming Students and/or Continuing Students? UCLA is a really big and competitive environment and it can feel lonely at times. However, you are never truly alone. Seek out clubs and organizations in areas you are interested in and you will definitely find someone you can connect with. Having a strong network of friends is so important in college, but of course never forget to have fun. College is hard, but you are only an undergraduate once in your life, take your chances do things you would never do, have a whole lot of fun!
Anything else you would like to add? If you ever want to reach out to me feel free to do so via my blog christineow.wordpress.com, or email me at [email protected]!