Ucla Said Yes
Caitlin Moody
Mrs. Lopez
English 12
March 29, 2012
UCLA Said Yes Already discouraged, Karina De La Cruz walked aimlessly down Bruin Walk where there were sororities recruiting new girls. She combed through her hair trying to look acceptable into her new environment. As she walked by a blond sorority sister, she was judged instantly, and got handed a dirty look instead of a flier to join. Karina found it amusing and ironic how well she was accepted to a Latina sorority only moments later. Karina could only help but wonder if this additional blow to her already low ego boost was just foreshadowing her future schooling at UCLA. No matter how many odds Karina had against her, still “UCLA said YES”, and that alone provided enough determination for her to proceed on her journey as a Bruin. Karina completely deserved to be admitted into UCLA because she is a hard worker and determined to strive and reach her full potential as student. She comes from a life of poverty and works her hardest as the first person in her family to attend college. She is nervous and wants to fit in to succeed. “I want to look right, I want to act right,” she says (1). De La Cruz is aware that all odds are against her and that she will be looked down upon because of where she is from. She is an illegal immigrant, which means she wasn’t eligible for most forms of state and federal financial aid. Jason Song says, “She probably doesn’t have enough money to finish her first year of classes.” (2). It costs about $17,000 per year for fees, books, transportation, and living expenses. She had a job at Wienerschnitzel, but it only paid minimum wage which would not get her very far. Because of her low cost living expenses Karina can only afford to take the bus everyday on an 80-mile round trip ride. Alone, she waits at the bus stop for hours, with no support in any aspect of her schooling. Song says “To have a chance to thrive here students like that need an advocate.” (2). De La Cruz struggled in
Mrs. Lopez
English 12
March 29, 2012
UCLA Said Yes Already discouraged, Karina De La Cruz walked aimlessly down Bruin Walk where there were sororities recruiting new girls. She combed through her hair trying to look acceptable into her new environment. As she walked by a blond sorority sister, she was judged instantly, and got handed a dirty look instead of a flier to join. Karina found it amusing and ironic how well she was accepted to a Latina sorority only moments later. Karina could only help but wonder if this additional blow to her already low ego boost was just foreshadowing her future schooling at UCLA. No matter how many odds Karina had against her, still “UCLA said YES”, and that alone provided enough determination for her to proceed on her journey as a Bruin. Karina completely deserved to be admitted into UCLA because she is a hard worker and determined to strive and reach her full potential as student. She comes from a life of poverty and works her hardest as the first person in her family to attend college. She is nervous and wants to fit in to succeed. “I want to look right, I want to act right,” she says (1). De La Cruz is aware that all odds are against her and that she will be looked down upon because of where she is from. She is an illegal immigrant, which means she wasn’t eligible for most forms of state and federal financial aid. Jason Song says, “She probably doesn’t have enough money to finish her first year of classes.” (2). It costs about $17,000 per year for fees, books, transportation, and living expenses. She had a job at Wienerschnitzel, but it only paid minimum wage which would not get her very far. Because of her low cost living expenses Karina can only afford to take the bus everyday on an 80-mile round trip ride. Alone, she waits at the bus stop for hours, with no support in any aspect of her schooling. Song says “To have a chance to thrive here students like that need an advocate.” (2). De La Cruz struggled in