This is my UCLA Appeal Letter
Reasons for Sharing:
1. At this moment, I need some sort of validation/engagement regarding this appeal. Is it valid/strong enough? Thoughts?
2. In the event I get accepted, I would like to share this letter for future students.
I will post the decision once received.
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Esteemed Admissions Committee,
I was informed that I was denied admission because of the foreign language requirement, but I have met this requirement in accordance with the IGETC by completing 2 years of Spanish during high school. As a native Spanish speaker, I read, write, and speak Spanish with proficiency. I have requested my official high school transcripts to provide as proof. If this reason is not sufficient enough for a successful appeal, I will further explain why I would be a great addition to the Bruin family.
As a non-traditional student, community organizer, and indigenous Mexicayotl dancer, the diverse academic experience offered by UCLA could be mutually beneficial to the university and to my personal growth as a researcher and educator. Attending UCLA’s undergraduate program as a Chicano(a) Studies major would allow me to continue working with groups that currently benefit my local community whose activities are also closely associated to my field of study. Furthermore, these organizations have a history of contributing to the wellness of our growing Chicano(a) communities and the beautification of various academic environments. Born and raised in Los Angeles, I have lived amongst drugs, violence, and poverty my entire life. I returned to school as an older adult and over the past few years, I have become committed to my undergraduate studies, traditional Mexicayotl ceremonies, and grassroots movements that protect our community from social and environmental injustices. I am a passionate student who is heavily involved, and I will serve the university as a resource of field experience and creativity to help develop future restorative justice programs. In addition, I have a high interest in applied research and the pursuit of postgraduate study at the doctoral level, and attending UCLA would improve my academic direction while providing a higher degree of opportunity to be selected for the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. During the application process, applicants are encouraged to stray away from showing favoritism to any one university, but I have a strong desire to attend UCLA so I can continue contributing to the well-being of my local communities.
Currently, I hold major responsibilities for several grassroots organizations. One of these coalitions, Communities Against Displacement, undertook the difficult task of organizing and informing local residents about displacement, eminent domain, and the dangers of local and state development projects. Our efforts were focused on the California High Speed Train and the suggested routes of its construction. After working together as a united, empowered community, the California High Speed Rail Authority begrudgingly agreed to remove the cities of San Fernando and Sylmar from route considerations. Our actions prevented a social and environmental injustice. The project would have otherwise devastated both communities with the destruction of hundreds of local businesses and several homes. Our neighboring communities of Pacoima and Sun Valley are still at risk and require our support. My contributions are not only vital to this group, but important to the well-being of my community.
Also, my dedicated involvement as a traditional Mexicayotl dancer is an essential component to my growth as a leader and aspiring educator. Without siblings and an absentee father, I have always struggled to find mentors and support systems, but among the people and the elders of these traditions, I have found a family. In addition to being closely related to my field of study, my activities as a Mexicayotl dancer foster personal growth and improve the quality of life of others. I dance, sing, and host various ceremonies with a group named Temachtia Quetzalcoatl, which loosely translates to the “Teaching of Precious Knowledge”. As a traditional Mexicayotl group, we uphold the preservation of our precious cultural traditions, the rights of first nation peoples, and the betterment of our community. Attending UCLA will allow me to continue this path as a Mexicayotl dancer, strengthen my already established relationships with the large Mexicayotl community within the Los Angeles area, and utilize these connections to bridge the knowledge of local indigenous people and the university space. Also, our group holds a long history of sharing Mexicayotl traditions on UCLA grounds and I have personally facilitated workshops on Danza Mexicayotl. These experiences have lead to a strong connection with the university, the students, and its surrounding environment.
I feel destined to bring my experiences to UCLA as a contributor to its Chicano(a) Studies program and as a bridge to its surrounding communities. This appeal isn’t only from myself, it’s also an appeal from the people that I serve. Education and community involvement is at the core of Chicano(a) Studies and I have every intention of upholding these principles. I work a demanding full-time job as a head graphic designer for a small, family-owned business. My employer, college professors, and extended community can all vouch for my contributions, reliability, creativity and unquestionable work ethic. If admitted, I will be taking time off from work and registering as a full-time student.
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NOTE: I just received my transcripts from HS I only took 1 year of Spanish - so I was mistaken when I submitted this - but I've been looking online for alternative ways to test out of the Spanish requirement as a native/heritage speaker of the language.
Thank you!
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