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Dear Future Bruin…

Hi Everyone!

My name is Hedieh (she/her/hers) and I am a third year Biochemistry major. I was born and raised in San Diego, California, which fostered a love for all things beach since as early as I can remember. Getting into UCLA had been a longtime dream of mine, knowing that whatever passions I come looking for there I would find support and opportunity. That being said, I came into my first year unsure of what direction to pursue.

I was originally admitted as a Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics major, or MIMG for short. Choosing this major while applying seemed to make perfect sense for me at the time. My high school had a very excellent Biomedical Sciences pathway course that enhanced my love for biology, so I knew my major had to be in the realm of life sciences. I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do career wise, but opting for a pre-med or pre-health pathway was what I decided on, and luckily I was just the right major to support that. The unfortunate reality I came to face after joining the pre-med clubs, volunteering in clinical settings, and taking my first MIMG class was that this path didn’t seem to fit me the way I thought it would. This harsh realization left me feeling clueless and lost about my future. That was until I took my first Biochemistry course.

Now, when I tell people I switched majors their first question is “what’s the difference?” What I found interesting about biochemistry was that it gets to the real nitty gritty of why biology and life around us functions the way that it does, zooming in down to the molecules whereas MIMG maintained a broader study. I wanted to pursue biochemistry, but I was extremely intimidated. I felt unsure of my place, especially from having a weak high school chemistry background (thanks alot COVID!).

Switching majors became not only about what I would study, but also about finding my place in a community. I joined the professional chemistry fraternity, Alpha Chi Sigma, and I was able to meet people who inspired me to pivot my career interests towards the biotech industry. I found a network of friends that have made such an important impact in my college experience, and I wouldn’t have met them had it not been for my decision to switch majors.