Senior Spotlight: January 2012
Kimberly Peraza
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Kim is our Co-Chair of the Special Projects Committee. She came to UCLA from Burbank, CA and opted to pursue an education in English and Classical Civilizations so she could one day become a high school English teacher (or a college professor) and a published author! Her own struggles with health, which she discusses below, have inspired her to live every day to the fullest and help others to do so as well--she's active in Locks of Love, the Epilepsy Foundation, Vietnam Vets, Paralyzed Vets of America, UNICEF and more. She's also received the John Ruskin Academic Achievement, the Charles and Helen Dibble Endowed Honorable Scholarship for demonstrating an unusual degree of leadership and accomplishment in school and community and UCLA's Recognition Award of High Achievement and Outstanding Promise, though she's most proud of being selected as a Freshman as the finalist for the Seniors Nonfiction Writing Contest. She loves trying new things, appreciating all artistic forms (being published as a writer and artist), collecting crazy socks, playing with her dogs, singing bad karaoke, eating sushi, listening to the rain, dreaming and spending time with friends. Please continue reading as we turn the spotlight on Kim!
Describe your personality in three words:
Creative, dedicated, and compassionate
What is your best quality? Give an experience when you have put this quality to use.
I believe my best quality is my sense of optimism. An experience when I put this quality to use was when I underwent severe brain surgery including in depth electrodes being drilled into my skull. Prior to the intensive surgery, I had to shave my head, for which I donated my hair to the charity “Locks of Love” to make wigs for others who are cancer victims or cannot grow hair. Despite the month long and quite painful surgery resulting inconclusively, becoming very weak and bedridden for quite some time, I realized how important good health, support from loved ones and independence really is – many things most take for granted, but I truly appreciate each and every day. Only after months of pushing myself harder and harder and by being my usual stubborn self by not taking no for an answer, was I able to overcome so many obstacles that doctors didn’t expect. I am thankful for so many things – and not only in November – but I am grateful for good health, the care and support of family and friends and that anything can be achieved if there’s a will.
What are your interests?
I enjoy eating my body weight in sushi, attempting to sing bad karaoke, being spontaneous with my friends, snuggling with my chubby Chihuahuas, listening to rock music, doing anything artistic, and daydreaming.
What do you like about UCLA?
I enjoy the variety UCLA has to offer through its unique staff of professors and classes, diverse interests in its student life and range of activities available for Bruins to enjoy. Personally, I love attending extracurricular lectures from visiting professionals (especially the art and film festivals), having fun with friends ranging from dancing to holiday activities like ice skating, and watching a good softball game. I’m proud to be involved in significant clubs, organizations and honor societies and able to give back to society. There is a big sense of community, which I was surprised to find at such a large school, but appreciate the sense of school spirit and simple good nature among the campus.
What is one thing you would like to change at UCLA?
Maybe having a flatter campus, those hills can be quite wicked at times and I feel as if they are mocking me as I attempt to climb them to and from class, clubs and other meetings. I think giant moving sidewalks throughout the campus would be ideal, along with no pay by space for parking and returning the tuition to it’s original (and lower) fee.
What has been your biggest learning experience?
My biggest learning experience branches out from my many hours of various community service projects. I have learned the most from volunteering as a youth fast pitch coach, tutor for underprivileged kids to Girl Scout leader and other positions. I have been involved with UNICEF, SPURS, to the Paralyzed Vets of America, while also collecting, donating and making food, gift baskets, book drives and more. Earning more than 100 hours of community service in high school alone, I am particularly proud of my achievements through raising awareness for disabilities, talking to and consoling kids and their families in the hospital and supporting the informative film, “The Sacred Disease” (exposing the truth of epilepsy). Despite being recognized in college as well for volunteer work I’ve provided for the community, I feel I’ve learned more than could ever fit on a certificate. I’m glad I’ve done the community service because it has helped so many others, and I look forward to continuing volunteer work. I remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Name two movies you could watch over and over again? Why?
At the beginning of every quarter, I always watch the “Lord of the Rings Trilogy” and I have a soft spot for “The Little Mermaid” movie. I looked forward to seeing J.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece coming alive to the big screen after reading the books over and over as a child and felt being transformed into this magical, beautiful yet dangerous world. And as for the enchanting twist of Hans Christian Anderson’s Scandinavian fairy tale, despite the fishtail appearance, I can relate to this fishy tale in more than one way!
What is your favorite book and why?
Being an English major, I have several favorite books, but one of my tops for quite sometime has been “Danny Kaye’s Story Book From Around The World.” I grew up with those fairy tales and folk fables for bedtime stories. My Dad would read in animated voices from the book acting out these legends from around the world while I stared in awe always begging for more and fighting off the inevitable slumber. I still find myself rereading my favorites from time to time, but I admit not as well as my Dad did once upon a time. Stories like those first opened up a new and wondrous aspect of the literary world, mysterious to me then, but inspired me to someday weave such imaginative and fantastic stories that would soon become more than just bedtime stories, but unforgettable memories.
If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why?
I would love to meet the classical writer Edgar Allen Poe, the Victorian writer Charles Dickens and the children’s literature writer Lewis Carroll. They all are amazing writers in their own style and time, and also have a very unique marking in common. They all had struggles and a similar disability they not only overcame, but were able to allow their success to truly shine through, even until today.
If you could go anywhere in the world for a day where would you go and why?
I always wanted go backpacking through Europe – I’d love to venture through Greece, Rome, Italy, and even England! After reading “The Anthology of Greek Mythology,” along with the tutelage of some amazing instructors, ensured my life-long love from ancient mythology to medieval literature. And by visiting the places of origin concerning famous writers, poets and artists would be irreplaceable.
What career would you like to pursue after graduation? Why?
I hope to become an inspiring High School teacher, covering English and Yearbook, and during the summer, become a successful published writer. I am pursuing this as a career because I not only truly believe it is vital to help and pass on knowledge to future generations, but I also hope to be able to inspire and change another’s life. I have been lucky enough to have others reach out to me, improving my path, and believe it’s the right thing to do to return the favor. If everyone though about helping others rather than helping themselves, we could achieve an enhanced society – from intellectual to moral aspects.
What characteristics does it take to become a great leader?
For me, a good leader must display a sense of control, management, and direction. But a great leader must go further than that and offer guidance, encouragement and not only book smarts, but also “street” smarts. They must be ready for any and everything, being practical but still able to have a good sense of humor.
Name one person you admire? Why?
I admire many people for different reasons – varying from William Blake, Lou Gehrig, Randy Johnson, Liza Fernandez, John Hughes, Stephen King, J.M. Barrie, The Grimm Brothers and more, but the most influential individuals are by far my family (including my doggies), but especially my parents. They have always been so supportive and they’re there for me – no matter what. That’s the great thing with family; they are there for you in the beginning and the end. They’ve helped me through difficult times, pushed me to accomplish my best and love me. I am lucky to have been blessed with incredible relationships, and am proud to call them family – whether through blood or not.
Who has been your most influential professor and why?
Prof. Ric Rader was one of the first professors I was lucky enough to be enrolled with. Despite entering UCLA as transfer student majoring in English, because of his class I have decided on minoring in Classics as well. I not only enjoy taking his challenging courses analyzing the philosophical, cultural and social beliefs, but also appreciate and respect his style. He is concerned with his students, making a deep effort to be available for help (whether office hours or answering questions via email) and approaches his class in a professional yet respectable manner. His sheer dedication alone and successful teaching style has students constantly returning. I will miss not being able to take any more classes with Prof. Rader, a true inspiration for the teacher I aim to become and helping me to polish an interest into a future.
Which is the one television character that you simply adore?
I have been told that my dorky yet innovative habits resemble Elliot from the TV show “Scrubs,” and actually have been caught several times saying “Frick!” I also have been informed that I act and look like the literary obsessed, stubborn but tough and of course peculiar features of the protagonist, Anne from the books and made for television series, “Anne of Green Gables.” Personally, I have always been fond of the heroines from the TV show “Buffy.” I adore all of these characters for their rebellious nature, tendency to do what is right rather than popular, and being a quirky yet strong woman.
(FYI) I actually influenced some of Ariel’s rather famous features from “The Little Mermaid,” but that’s a long story – just ask the Art Director…
What are the three most played songs on your iPod?
“Music of the Night” in Phantom of the Opera
“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey
“She’s so High” by Tal Bachman or “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be and why?
I love giraffes, penguins, and horses but having a couple of chubby Chihuahuas (Mr. Mojo Jojo and lil’ Reeses), I’d love to be a dog. That way I could be a best friend for those who need it, and perhaps even become a rescue dog, helping others even more.
Have you traveled outside of the United States? If so, where?
Not yet, but I hope to travel the world soon. ☺
What is the funniest prank played by you or on you?
I don’t know about the absolute funniest, but one of my favorite pranks I pulled was during the first year I left for UCLA. I felt horrible for not being with my parents on their birthdays, which happen to be five days apart. So I got ahead in my work and studies, but told them otherwise. I apologized for not being there for them but promised I would iChat with them so we could still talk. Secretly, my boyfriend and I went out and bought and made them some presents, ordered their favorite cake at a local Cuban bakery and drove over to see them on the weekend. Rather than knocking on the door, we laid out the presents, cake and cards on the front porch, while texting to see if they were free to iChat. My mother isn’t the most technological advanced individual and when she finally logged on with my father, we knocked on the door and hid, waiting for them to open the door. When they did, my boyfriend and I jumped out and screamed “SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” which just about did my parents in. Luckily they mustered enough strength to hobble through Disneyland the next day as we had planned, where we got those embarrassing “It’s My Birthday” pin, special Fastpasses for most rides, and VIP seating for the firework show. Despite the shock, they both had a great birthday, or at least a memorable one!
What does being a member of Mortar Board mean to you?
Being a Mortar Board member means having a strict reputation to surpass a respectable reputation of the national college level honor society. With such a select group, I am lucky enough to not only work together as a well oiled machine, but become a personal part of a unique and elect family within UCLA. Specifically for the Special Projects Chair, I am able to bring creative ideas that benefit the community as well as students on campus, including Project Gratitude (sending holiday packages to troops overseas), The Sacred Disease (film raising awareness for disabilities such as epilepsy) and The UCLA-USC Cross-Town Book Drive (collecting books for a charity competing with USC) and many more!
Creative, dedicated, and compassionate
What is your best quality? Give an experience when you have put this quality to use.
I believe my best quality is my sense of optimism. An experience when I put this quality to use was when I underwent severe brain surgery including in depth electrodes being drilled into my skull. Prior to the intensive surgery, I had to shave my head, for which I donated my hair to the charity “Locks of Love” to make wigs for others who are cancer victims or cannot grow hair. Despite the month long and quite painful surgery resulting inconclusively, becoming very weak and bedridden for quite some time, I realized how important good health, support from loved ones and independence really is – many things most take for granted, but I truly appreciate each and every day. Only after months of pushing myself harder and harder and by being my usual stubborn self by not taking no for an answer, was I able to overcome so many obstacles that doctors didn’t expect. I am thankful for so many things – and not only in November – but I am grateful for good health, the care and support of family and friends and that anything can be achieved if there’s a will.
What are your interests?
I enjoy eating my body weight in sushi, attempting to sing bad karaoke, being spontaneous with my friends, snuggling with my chubby Chihuahuas, listening to rock music, doing anything artistic, and daydreaming.
What do you like about UCLA?
I enjoy the variety UCLA has to offer through its unique staff of professors and classes, diverse interests in its student life and range of activities available for Bruins to enjoy. Personally, I love attending extracurricular lectures from visiting professionals (especially the art and film festivals), having fun with friends ranging from dancing to holiday activities like ice skating, and watching a good softball game. I’m proud to be involved in significant clubs, organizations and honor societies and able to give back to society. There is a big sense of community, which I was surprised to find at such a large school, but appreciate the sense of school spirit and simple good nature among the campus.
What is one thing you would like to change at UCLA?
Maybe having a flatter campus, those hills can be quite wicked at times and I feel as if they are mocking me as I attempt to climb them to and from class, clubs and other meetings. I think giant moving sidewalks throughout the campus would be ideal, along with no pay by space for parking and returning the tuition to it’s original (and lower) fee.
What has been your biggest learning experience?
My biggest learning experience branches out from my many hours of various community service projects. I have learned the most from volunteering as a youth fast pitch coach, tutor for underprivileged kids to Girl Scout leader and other positions. I have been involved with UNICEF, SPURS, to the Paralyzed Vets of America, while also collecting, donating and making food, gift baskets, book drives and more. Earning more than 100 hours of community service in high school alone, I am particularly proud of my achievements through raising awareness for disabilities, talking to and consoling kids and their families in the hospital and supporting the informative film, “The Sacred Disease” (exposing the truth of epilepsy). Despite being recognized in college as well for volunteer work I’ve provided for the community, I feel I’ve learned more than could ever fit on a certificate. I’m glad I’ve done the community service because it has helped so many others, and I look forward to continuing volunteer work. I remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Name two movies you could watch over and over again? Why?
At the beginning of every quarter, I always watch the “Lord of the Rings Trilogy” and I have a soft spot for “The Little Mermaid” movie. I looked forward to seeing J.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece coming alive to the big screen after reading the books over and over as a child and felt being transformed into this magical, beautiful yet dangerous world. And as for the enchanting twist of Hans Christian Anderson’s Scandinavian fairy tale, despite the fishtail appearance, I can relate to this fishy tale in more than one way!
What is your favorite book and why?
Being an English major, I have several favorite books, but one of my tops for quite sometime has been “Danny Kaye’s Story Book From Around The World.” I grew up with those fairy tales and folk fables for bedtime stories. My Dad would read in animated voices from the book acting out these legends from around the world while I stared in awe always begging for more and fighting off the inevitable slumber. I still find myself rereading my favorites from time to time, but I admit not as well as my Dad did once upon a time. Stories like those first opened up a new and wondrous aspect of the literary world, mysterious to me then, but inspired me to someday weave such imaginative and fantastic stories that would soon become more than just bedtime stories, but unforgettable memories.
If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why?
I would love to meet the classical writer Edgar Allen Poe, the Victorian writer Charles Dickens and the children’s literature writer Lewis Carroll. They all are amazing writers in their own style and time, and also have a very unique marking in common. They all had struggles and a similar disability they not only overcame, but were able to allow their success to truly shine through, even until today.
If you could go anywhere in the world for a day where would you go and why?
I always wanted go backpacking through Europe – I’d love to venture through Greece, Rome, Italy, and even England! After reading “The Anthology of Greek Mythology,” along with the tutelage of some amazing instructors, ensured my life-long love from ancient mythology to medieval literature. And by visiting the places of origin concerning famous writers, poets and artists would be irreplaceable.
What career would you like to pursue after graduation? Why?
I hope to become an inspiring High School teacher, covering English and Yearbook, and during the summer, become a successful published writer. I am pursuing this as a career because I not only truly believe it is vital to help and pass on knowledge to future generations, but I also hope to be able to inspire and change another’s life. I have been lucky enough to have others reach out to me, improving my path, and believe it’s the right thing to do to return the favor. If everyone though about helping others rather than helping themselves, we could achieve an enhanced society – from intellectual to moral aspects.
What characteristics does it take to become a great leader?
For me, a good leader must display a sense of control, management, and direction. But a great leader must go further than that and offer guidance, encouragement and not only book smarts, but also “street” smarts. They must be ready for any and everything, being practical but still able to have a good sense of humor.
Name one person you admire? Why?
I admire many people for different reasons – varying from William Blake, Lou Gehrig, Randy Johnson, Liza Fernandez, John Hughes, Stephen King, J.M. Barrie, The Grimm Brothers and more, but the most influential individuals are by far my family (including my doggies), but especially my parents. They have always been so supportive and they’re there for me – no matter what. That’s the great thing with family; they are there for you in the beginning and the end. They’ve helped me through difficult times, pushed me to accomplish my best and love me. I am lucky to have been blessed with incredible relationships, and am proud to call them family – whether through blood or not.
Who has been your most influential professor and why?
Prof. Ric Rader was one of the first professors I was lucky enough to be enrolled with. Despite entering UCLA as transfer student majoring in English, because of his class I have decided on minoring in Classics as well. I not only enjoy taking his challenging courses analyzing the philosophical, cultural and social beliefs, but also appreciate and respect his style. He is concerned with his students, making a deep effort to be available for help (whether office hours or answering questions via email) and approaches his class in a professional yet respectable manner. His sheer dedication alone and successful teaching style has students constantly returning. I will miss not being able to take any more classes with Prof. Rader, a true inspiration for the teacher I aim to become and helping me to polish an interest into a future.
Which is the one television character that you simply adore?
I have been told that my dorky yet innovative habits resemble Elliot from the TV show “Scrubs,” and actually have been caught several times saying “Frick!” I also have been informed that I act and look like the literary obsessed, stubborn but tough and of course peculiar features of the protagonist, Anne from the books and made for television series, “Anne of Green Gables.” Personally, I have always been fond of the heroines from the TV show “Buffy.” I adore all of these characters for their rebellious nature, tendency to do what is right rather than popular, and being a quirky yet strong woman.
(FYI) I actually influenced some of Ariel’s rather famous features from “The Little Mermaid,” but that’s a long story – just ask the Art Director…
What are the three most played songs on your iPod?
“Music of the Night” in Phantom of the Opera
“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey
“She’s so High” by Tal Bachman or “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be and why?
I love giraffes, penguins, and horses but having a couple of chubby Chihuahuas (Mr. Mojo Jojo and lil’ Reeses), I’d love to be a dog. That way I could be a best friend for those who need it, and perhaps even become a rescue dog, helping others even more.
Have you traveled outside of the United States? If so, where?
Not yet, but I hope to travel the world soon. ☺
What is the funniest prank played by you or on you?
I don’t know about the absolute funniest, but one of my favorite pranks I pulled was during the first year I left for UCLA. I felt horrible for not being with my parents on their birthdays, which happen to be five days apart. So I got ahead in my work and studies, but told them otherwise. I apologized for not being there for them but promised I would iChat with them so we could still talk. Secretly, my boyfriend and I went out and bought and made them some presents, ordered their favorite cake at a local Cuban bakery and drove over to see them on the weekend. Rather than knocking on the door, we laid out the presents, cake and cards on the front porch, while texting to see if they were free to iChat. My mother isn’t the most technological advanced individual and when she finally logged on with my father, we knocked on the door and hid, waiting for them to open the door. When they did, my boyfriend and I jumped out and screamed “SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” which just about did my parents in. Luckily they mustered enough strength to hobble through Disneyland the next day as we had planned, where we got those embarrassing “It’s My Birthday” pin, special Fastpasses for most rides, and VIP seating for the firework show. Despite the shock, they both had a great birthday, or at least a memorable one!
What does being a member of Mortar Board mean to you?
Being a Mortar Board member means having a strict reputation to surpass a respectable reputation of the national college level honor society. With such a select group, I am lucky enough to not only work together as a well oiled machine, but become a personal part of a unique and elect family within UCLA. Specifically for the Special Projects Chair, I am able to bring creative ideas that benefit the community as well as students on campus, including Project Gratitude (sending holiday packages to troops overseas), The Sacred Disease (film raising awareness for disabilities such as epilepsy) and The UCLA-USC Cross-Town Book Drive (collecting books for a charity competing with USC) and many more!
