Christine Rahal, UC LEADS 2016-2018, UC San Diego

June 12, 2018

The UC LEADS program has supported me in so many ways throughout my undergraduate studies! From helping me grow as a scientist to connecting me with mentors and a community, the program gave me so many opportunities I wouldn't have been exposed to without it. Some highlights included presenting my research project at several conferences all over the US and my second summer experience which played a huge role in helping define my career goals. The most influential person that UC LEADS introduced me to was our campus coordinator, whose dedication to helping all of us succeed inspired me to pursue a career path where I could provide the same support to future generations of students. I am so grateful to everyone who is a part of keeping UC LEADS up and running and I hope this program continues to thrive for future UC students.

My future plans include obtaining a Master's in Education in order to work in university or community college student affairs. My dream job is to be working with undergraduate research programs like UC LEADS and support student recruitment and retention for undergraduate and graduate school.