Senior Spotlight: February 2011
Barry Goldenberg
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In Spring 2010, history major Barry Goldenberg from St. Louis, Missouri was initiated into Mortar Board for his superior scholastic ability, outstanding and continual leadership, and dedicated service to the community. Barry was elected by his peers to serve as a historian where he uses his photography and documentation skills to record the activities of Mortar Board at UCLA. He recently started an excellent blog, which you can view here. Outside of Mortar Board, Barry is involved as a manager for the UCLA tennis team, is a part of Bruin Initiative, is an NCEP Certified Personal Trainer, and is a former intern of the Office of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. You will find Barry pretty much everywhere across the board-- whether it is fitness, nutrition, playing the guitar, or politics, Barry is making his mark! Please continue reading as we turn the spotlight on Barry! |
Describe your personality in three words.
Appreciative, energetic, generous
What is your best quality? Give an experience when you have put this quality to use.
I would have to say that my best quality, frankly, is my focus. Throughout my years at UCLA, my ability to dedicate myself to certain projects—whether it be as Manager of the varsity tennis team or as a student tackling a challenging research paper—has paved my success as an Undergraduate. With so many distractions in our college environment, my ability to put my life on hold to accomplish the task at hand has been invaluable.
What are your interests?
My main interest revolves around fixing America’s education system; I have an extreme passion to secure an equitable education for all America’s students as everyday I study and focus on key issues in education. Outside of my scholarly interests, I am also a NCEP Certified Personal Trainer and a health fanatic. I lift weights and run on a regular basis and eat really healthy, as well as have an unhealthy passion for the sport of tennis!
What do you like about UCLA? My favorite thing about UCLA, by far, is the incredible academic environment. The professors at UCLA are truly at the top of their field and the opportunities in terms of research projects, guest lecturers, special events, and top-notch resources make UCLA such an enriching academic experience. Not to mention the absolutely beautiful campus makes me feel like I’m in paradise everyday!
What is one thing you would like to change at UCLA?
The one thing I would change about UCLA is less about the school itself, but about the environment; while all my peers are absolutely brilliant, there is also a sense of an entitlement that students possess who attend such an amazing University. I wish that all the students here would just sit back once and a while and appreciate the opportunity they have to attend UCLA and learn here.
What has been your biggest learning experience?
I think my biggest learning experience was not necessarily learning how to balance everything at UCLA, but figuring out which of those “things” is most important. I have been involved in so many different activities and taken so many different classes—I came in as an undeclared, out-of-state student—and have found my life passions and figured out how I want to live my life. UCLA provides this type of learning experience but I only was able to “find myself,” per say,” by trial and error in all facets of UCLA. So trying not to get discouraged when things did not work out was my biggest learning experience.
Name two movies you could watch over and over again? Why?
First, hands down, the movie Avatar leads the pack. First, the special effects are mind-blowing, but more importantly, the whole aura of the movie is special; the new, imagined world, the morals about humanity, the subtle messages about greed and colonialism, and the love story that transcends humans. What is not to love?! Second, the sports epic We Are Marshall is just awesome and satisfies my desire for the power of sports.
What is your favorite book and why?
Hmm…there are of course so many amazing books that I have read, but the book that probably impacted me the most was Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. While confusing, vulgar, and downright unorthodox, the message about the absurdity of life is nothing short of brilliant and life-changing. I will mention that Crime and Punishment by Fyoder Dostoevsky and Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison both come in close seconds… and Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama is incredibly captivating.
If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why?
As a history major this question is almost impossible, but I would have to say President Ulysses S. Grant. I am writing a history honors thesis on him and two others, and he is one of the most incredible—yet most misunderstood—Presidents ever. His accomplishments rank up there with Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln yet he was the most humble and down-to-earth man every.
If you could go anywhere in the world for a day where would you go and why?
Fiji Islands because I have heard so much about it but more importantly, so I can have all the free Fiji water I could drink out of that really cool square bottle!!
What career would you like to pursue after graduation? Why?
I recently applied for various Ph.D and M.A. programs in Education. My ultimate goal is obtain a Ph.D and become a Professor of Education at a University, researching solutions that will improve America’s education system. It is my ultimate passion in life to create social change through education.
What characteristics does it take to become a great leader?
I think confidence is one of—if not the most important—characteristic to being a leader. If you do not believe in yourself, than how can someone believe in you? And a compassion, of course, too—it is important to be open-minded and take into account the ideas of the people you work with, as well.
Name one person you admire? Why?
There are many people I admire, but above all, I have to begin with my mom; there is no one whom represents the good of humanity more than her. She has not had it easy her entire life, but her kindness, generosity, and overall heart that she has for everyone are truly beautiful qualities. I strive to capture those qualities and exhibit even half of the warmth that she does everyday.
Who has been your most influential professor and why?
Gosh, I have been so fortunate to have a number of professors who have been so wonderful to me. However, two, Professor Ernest Morrell and Professor Tyrone Howard from the School of Education have changed the course of my academic life—if not indirectly my life trajectory. Not only did they expose me to a new type of learning that changed my disenchantment with lecture halls to being really engaged in learning, but inspired me to go into the field of education and most importantly, be a better and more open-minded person. They are everything that educators should be in terms of the accessibility and heart that they exhibit everyday to their students.
Which is the one television character that you simply adore?
This one is pretty easy—Coach Eric Taylor from the show Friday Night Lights. Maybe not adore, but just is downright awesome. He is inspirational and has spoken some of the best pre-game, pump-up speeches known to man. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose! (The slogan if there are any FNL fans out there!)
What are the three most played songs on your iPod?
Recently or all-time? All-time, it’s Lover After Me by Savage Garden, My Wish by Rascal Flatts, and Shades of Blue by Nick Lachey. Recently, Every Breath by Boyce Avenue, Love Hangover by Jason Derulo, and Take Off by Jeremih.
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be? Why?
Wow, it might be cliché, but I’m going to have to say a dog. I mean, all you do is lay-around, get played with, and eat—and then that other thing that smells. You’re a persons best friend—what could be better?!
Have you traveled outside of the United States? If so, where?
This past summer, I traveled to Cape Town, South Africa (my first time out of the country), and volunteered at school for kids from the impoverished townships. As you can imagine, it was a truly life-changing experience and one I’ll never forget. (You can read about my experiences here: http://barrysa.wordpress.com)
Which is the funniest prank played on you or played by you?
Hmm…well, only a few months ago, the tennis team and the coaches all went out for dinner and we parked in this parking lot that we though we were not completely sure we could park there, like 95% sure we could. Anyway, when we finished dinner and I walked out to my car, my dashboard had one of those lovely bright yellow envelopes under my windshield wiper—signifying that I received a parking ticket! I could not believe that I was the only person to get one! Anyway, when I opened it open, it had a note that said, “Haha, gotcha’!” and our Assistant Coach was laughing seeing how I angry I got about getting a ticket!
What does being a member of Mortar Board mean to you?
Anyway, Mortar Board means a lot of things; first, it is an honor to be a part of such a prestigious organization and be surrounded by so many incredible people. Second, just belonging to the group gives me great pride knowing that I spent my four years at UCLA dedicating myself to the right things—scholarship, leadership, and service. It means a lot to know you have made the most of this incredible opportunity and Mortar Board is like the “icing on the cake” after a wonderful four years as a Bruin.
Appreciative, energetic, generous
What is your best quality? Give an experience when you have put this quality to use.
I would have to say that my best quality, frankly, is my focus. Throughout my years at UCLA, my ability to dedicate myself to certain projects—whether it be as Manager of the varsity tennis team or as a student tackling a challenging research paper—has paved my success as an Undergraduate. With so many distractions in our college environment, my ability to put my life on hold to accomplish the task at hand has been invaluable.
What are your interests?
My main interest revolves around fixing America’s education system; I have an extreme passion to secure an equitable education for all America’s students as everyday I study and focus on key issues in education. Outside of my scholarly interests, I am also a NCEP Certified Personal Trainer and a health fanatic. I lift weights and run on a regular basis and eat really healthy, as well as have an unhealthy passion for the sport of tennis!
What do you like about UCLA? My favorite thing about UCLA, by far, is the incredible academic environment. The professors at UCLA are truly at the top of their field and the opportunities in terms of research projects, guest lecturers, special events, and top-notch resources make UCLA such an enriching academic experience. Not to mention the absolutely beautiful campus makes me feel like I’m in paradise everyday!
What is one thing you would like to change at UCLA?
The one thing I would change about UCLA is less about the school itself, but about the environment; while all my peers are absolutely brilliant, there is also a sense of an entitlement that students possess who attend such an amazing University. I wish that all the students here would just sit back once and a while and appreciate the opportunity they have to attend UCLA and learn here.
What has been your biggest learning experience?
I think my biggest learning experience was not necessarily learning how to balance everything at UCLA, but figuring out which of those “things” is most important. I have been involved in so many different activities and taken so many different classes—I came in as an undeclared, out-of-state student—and have found my life passions and figured out how I want to live my life. UCLA provides this type of learning experience but I only was able to “find myself,” per say,” by trial and error in all facets of UCLA. So trying not to get discouraged when things did not work out was my biggest learning experience.
Name two movies you could watch over and over again? Why?
First, hands down, the movie Avatar leads the pack. First, the special effects are mind-blowing, but more importantly, the whole aura of the movie is special; the new, imagined world, the morals about humanity, the subtle messages about greed and colonialism, and the love story that transcends humans. What is not to love?! Second, the sports epic We Are Marshall is just awesome and satisfies my desire for the power of sports.
What is your favorite book and why?
Hmm…there are of course so many amazing books that I have read, but the book that probably impacted me the most was Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. While confusing, vulgar, and downright unorthodox, the message about the absurdity of life is nothing short of brilliant and life-changing. I will mention that Crime and Punishment by Fyoder Dostoevsky and Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison both come in close seconds… and Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama is incredibly captivating.
If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why?
As a history major this question is almost impossible, but I would have to say President Ulysses S. Grant. I am writing a history honors thesis on him and two others, and he is one of the most incredible—yet most misunderstood—Presidents ever. His accomplishments rank up there with Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln yet he was the most humble and down-to-earth man every.
If you could go anywhere in the world for a day where would you go and why?
Fiji Islands because I have heard so much about it but more importantly, so I can have all the free Fiji water I could drink out of that really cool square bottle!!
What career would you like to pursue after graduation? Why?
I recently applied for various Ph.D and M.A. programs in Education. My ultimate goal is obtain a Ph.D and become a Professor of Education at a University, researching solutions that will improve America’s education system. It is my ultimate passion in life to create social change through education.
What characteristics does it take to become a great leader?
I think confidence is one of—if not the most important—characteristic to being a leader. If you do not believe in yourself, than how can someone believe in you? And a compassion, of course, too—it is important to be open-minded and take into account the ideas of the people you work with, as well.
Name one person you admire? Why?
There are many people I admire, but above all, I have to begin with my mom; there is no one whom represents the good of humanity more than her. She has not had it easy her entire life, but her kindness, generosity, and overall heart that she has for everyone are truly beautiful qualities. I strive to capture those qualities and exhibit even half of the warmth that she does everyday.
Who has been your most influential professor and why?
Gosh, I have been so fortunate to have a number of professors who have been so wonderful to me. However, two, Professor Ernest Morrell and Professor Tyrone Howard from the School of Education have changed the course of my academic life—if not indirectly my life trajectory. Not only did they expose me to a new type of learning that changed my disenchantment with lecture halls to being really engaged in learning, but inspired me to go into the field of education and most importantly, be a better and more open-minded person. They are everything that educators should be in terms of the accessibility and heart that they exhibit everyday to their students.
Which is the one television character that you simply adore?
This one is pretty easy—Coach Eric Taylor from the show Friday Night Lights. Maybe not adore, but just is downright awesome. He is inspirational and has spoken some of the best pre-game, pump-up speeches known to man. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose! (The slogan if there are any FNL fans out there!)
What are the three most played songs on your iPod?
Recently or all-time? All-time, it’s Lover After Me by Savage Garden, My Wish by Rascal Flatts, and Shades of Blue by Nick Lachey. Recently, Every Breath by Boyce Avenue, Love Hangover by Jason Derulo, and Take Off by Jeremih.
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be? Why?
Wow, it might be cliché, but I’m going to have to say a dog. I mean, all you do is lay-around, get played with, and eat—and then that other thing that smells. You’re a persons best friend—what could be better?!
Have you traveled outside of the United States? If so, where?
This past summer, I traveled to Cape Town, South Africa (my first time out of the country), and volunteered at school for kids from the impoverished townships. As you can imagine, it was a truly life-changing experience and one I’ll never forget. (You can read about my experiences here: http://barrysa.wordpress.com)
Which is the funniest prank played on you or played by you?
Hmm…well, only a few months ago, the tennis team and the coaches all went out for dinner and we parked in this parking lot that we though we were not completely sure we could park there, like 95% sure we could. Anyway, when we finished dinner and I walked out to my car, my dashboard had one of those lovely bright yellow envelopes under my windshield wiper—signifying that I received a parking ticket! I could not believe that I was the only person to get one! Anyway, when I opened it open, it had a note that said, “Haha, gotcha’!” and our Assistant Coach was laughing seeing how I angry I got about getting a ticket!
What does being a member of Mortar Board mean to you?
Anyway, Mortar Board means a lot of things; first, it is an honor to be a part of such a prestigious organization and be surrounded by so many incredible people. Second, just belonging to the group gives me great pride knowing that I spent my four years at UCLA dedicating myself to the right things—scholarship, leadership, and service. It means a lot to know you have made the most of this incredible opportunity and Mortar Board is like the “icing on the cake” after a wonderful four years as a Bruin.
