Featured Parenting Student of the Week: Elvia Martinez!

Elvia's journey to UCLA has not always been easy, but she has never been the kind of women to shy away from adversity. After high school motherhood and family obligations caused Elvia to put her education on hold but, after ten years of working and caring for her daughter, she decided to go back to community college even though she was "unsure" of what she wanted to accomplish. "I came across one professor that believed in me, Professor Oleas," she recalls. With the motivation of  Professor Oleas behind her, Elvia started to consider UCLA as a possibility for her top transfer school. "I started doing everything possible to get here." Of course, this meant finding a balance between work, school, and parenting. "The most challenging part of being a parent and student is finding the balance to do it all— and do it right," Elvia confesses. "Between homework, studying for exams paying attention to my daughter... choosing between cooking dinner, studying, laundry and deadlines...these are the daily challenges ALL parenting students face. I firmly believe that challenges can change us for the better." For Elvia, time management is key to her success.  "Planning ahead and time management are my biggest allies,” she states,“I do not choose one thing over the other I just find a superpower to do them all." 
As a Latin American Studies Major and a Mom to the now 13-year-old Zaylie ("She is my motivation"), Elvia continues to work hard here at UCLA. She currently holds two campus jobs, one in the Bruin Resource Center as an Intern for the Students with Dependents office, and one as a Peer Mentor, for CCCP. "As a mentor, I work with underrepresented communities to guide, inform and motivate them to transfer into four-year institutions by giving them support, the resources and guiding with the transfer process." Next year, Elvia will apply for grad school, but she is trying now to make the most of her experience here as a Bruin Superwomen!
Thank you for sharing your story with us Elvia! You're awesome!

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Outdoor Adventures through UCLA Rec

Do you want to go camping? 

Are you an undergrad that qualifies for financial aid? 

Then apply to go on a UCLA Outdoor Adventures trip for a FREE or reduced cost! Trips vary from weekend backpacking, camping, and hiking. All experience and skill levels are welcomed! Scholarships are open to current UCLA students. Learn more about TGIF scholarship at:

www.recreation.ucla.edu/oatripstgif

Not doing well in a class and are worried about the final?

If you've been struggling through this quarter in any class, and you don't think you'll be able pass the class, then you should consider retaking the class at a later time...

(Note: You should always visit your academic counselor and major counselor to discuss your options)

Dropping classes vary between undergraduates, graduates, and majors, so refer to these links to know the fee's and restrictions:

Drop a Course as Undergrad 

Drop a Course as Grad

Restricted drop petition: Dropping between 8-10th week. To petition for this drop, visit your academic advising office and ask for the form. Fill out the form and get your professors signature. Turn in the petition by Friday of 10th week. You get three of these during your academic career.

Retroactive drop petition: Dropping after 10th week. To petition for this drop, you need a valid and verifiable reason (i.e. family death, hospitalizations, etc.).

The benefits of dropping a class, so late in the quarter: 

• Although you'll get a "withdraw" notice on your transcript, you won't have a letter grade dragging you down or your GPA

• Some majors only allow you to retake a certain number of courses, but dropping a course then retaking it does not count as one of those retake

• When you retake the class, you'll be more prepared (note: you only can retake a certain number of courses during your academic career)

FREE screenings of classic family-friendly films! Every month.

Every month the UCLA Film & Television Archive and the Hammer Museum team up for a free matinee screening series of new and classic family-friendly films from around the world! 

Click here for a list of upcoming events.

This month's movie: 
A series of CLASSIC animated films!

The Archive is pleased to present this selection of recent restorations of classic animated shorts from its current UCLA Festival of Preservation in this reprise Family Flicks screening.

Recommended for ages 8+.  Total running time: approx. 61 min.

The BRC's Brianna Harvey is collecting Prom/ Bridesmaids dresses for girls in need...

"Every year myself and several of my friends host an event in South Los Angeles called “Prom Project LA” in which we provide free prom dresses and makeovers to high school juniors and seniors in need! This year we are holding our event at La Trade Tech College on 3/25/17 and I am currently collecting dress donations! If you or someone you know has a gently used formal dress that they would like to donate let me know! Below are some of the pictures from last year’s event! Thanks!" J

Brianna Harvey, MSW

Program Director, Bruin Guardian Scholars

 P: 310-206-1904   E: Bharvey@saonet.ucla.edu

UCLA Bruin Resource Center: Student Activities Center, B44

Kids on Campus: Planetarium shows!

A visit to the UCLA Planetarium has three parts: a special topic presentation, a current night-sky show, and (weather permitting) a telescope viewing.

The special topic presentation lasts about 30 minutes, with a slide or video presentation about a specific area of astronomy, and is shown in the planetarium immediately preceding the night-sky show. Special topic presentations are designed to be interesting and meaningful for anyone who comes to our planetarium. A different topic is offered at each week’s public show.

Wednesday Evening Public Shows

Public planetarium shows (free and suitable for all ages) are given by current astronomy and astrophysics graduate students. Content varies with presenters, but commonly includes discussion about the current night sky, constellations, astronomical phenomena, and more!

Public shows are free. No tickets or reservations required.

Winter 2017 Show Schedule

The content of the night-sky show will vary by presenter, but will generally cover the currently visible stars, constellations, planets, and other astronomical phenomena. The night-sky show lasts about 30 minutes and is suitable for all ages.

On clear nights, we offer telescope viewings after our public planetarium shows. UCLA undergraduate astronomers will point you towards some of the fascinating objects we can see from Los Angeles, such as planets, binary stars, nebulae, globular clusters, and more! Telescope viewings are weather and schedule permitting. Telescope viewings are not offered during the summer.

Save the Date! Big Event for SwD's!

Bruin Strong: Multimedia project highlights RESILIENT Bruins!

What is Project Bruin Strong?

Project Bruin Strong is a multi-media project that explores the idea of ‘resilience’.

With the help of the entire Bruin

Community, Project Bruin Strong will highlight stories and show representations of resilience.

What are Project Bruin Strong’s Goals?

1. Share stories of Bruins and how they turned negatives experiences into positive ones.

2. Raise awareness of the value of failure, rejection and disappointment in a learning environment.

3. Promote a culture where asking for help is accepted. What does resilience mean? The ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens.

The ability of something to return to its original shape after it has been pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc.

What are some of the media resources available right now?

There are 6 short videos available right now: an introduction to Bruin Strong, “Finding a New Path to the Same Dream”, “Bad Grades”, “Power Through Perseverence”, “Office Hours”, and “Bruin Essentials: How to Ask for Help”. There are also two pieces of artwork available in the digital art gallery. 

You can view all of these at http://bruinstrong.ucla.edu/.

iGrad Workshops- Class of 2017

Are you a graduating senior who’s preparing for graduation? Then signup for an iGrad Workshop! iGrad is a 90-minute workshop for College of Letters and Science seniors preparing to graduate. By attending the workshop you will learn everything you need to know about completing your final degree requirements, understanding your commencement options, and getting your diploma. College Counselors will also review your degree requirements to ensure that you are on track to graduate. Students planning to graduate Winter 2017, Spring 2017, Summer 2017, or Fall 2017 are eligible to participate in this workshop. Workshops are offered every week in winter and spring. Sign-up on MyUCLA > Academics > Workshops.

Financial Wellness Peer Drop In Hours schedule for Winter 2017

Did you know? Over 40% of incoming Bruins reported that 1:1 financial coaching is the best way UCLA can help increase their economic well-being.  Our peers are ready, trained and willing to coach their fellow Bruins around budgeting, credit, student loans, financial worry and more….!

Date	10am-11am	11am-12pm
Thurs 2/23	Tofunmi, Katelyn, Lisa, Corey, Jolene, Karla, Jessica	Tofunmi, Corey, Jolene, Jessica, Emily
Mon 2/27	Karla, Jolene	Jolene
Thurs 3/2	Tofunmi, Katelyn, Lisa, Corey, Jolene	Tofunmi, Corey, Emily, Jolene
Mon 3/6	Emily, Karla, Jolene	Emily, Jolene
Thursday 3/9	Tofunmi, Katelyn, Karla, Corey, Jolene, Lisa, Jessica	Tofunmi, Corey, Jessica, Emily, Jo lene

Remaining BRC Office Hours Winter 2017:










Remaining FYE Office Hours – Hederick Hall:

Date	3:30pm-5pm
Mon 2/27	Tofunmi, Corey, Katelyn, Rachel, Karla, Jolene
Monday 3/6	Tofunmi, Corey, Karla, Jolene, Katelyn, Rachel
Monday 3/13	Tofunmi, Karla, Jolene, Corey, Rachel