UCLA Caregiving Student Initiative
The journey of the Caregiver Student Initiative at UCLA began during a summer school session in August 2022, while I was enrolled in my first Community Psychology class. A vivid discussion about the pressures faced by students juggling their educational commitments with caregiving responsibilities illuminated a significant gap in support. This revelation prompted my decision to spearhead an initiative dedicated to these often-overlooked students. As the newly appointed program coordinator for UCLA's Students with Dependents Program, I launched a comprehensive campaign to raise awareness and systematically gather data on the unique challenges confronting caregiving students. This mission was fueled by a strong commitment to advocate for those in the shadows, sparking a journey of both personal and professional metamorphosis.​
Over the following months, the initiative swiftly moved from a mere concept to a robust execution of well-defined objectives. With my promotion to Caregiver Student Specialist in May 2023, I acquired crucial support and resources that enabled the deployment of UCLA’s inaugural survey tailored to caregiving students. This pivotal research effort, conducted in collaboration with the Student Affairs Information and Research Office (SAIRO), offered critical insights and underscored the urgent need for specialized support structures. This collaborative journey, filled with rigorous advocacy and strategic partnerships, resembled navigating a complex maze with numerous twists and turns. Each challenge faced and overcome led to significant growth, ultimately culminating in the creation of the Bruin Caregiver Scholars program in 2024. This new chapter aims to bolster the resilience and academic success of caregiving students, ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve.