Gabriela McCain
UCLA

Degree: B.A. Political Science

How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
My undergraduate experience was incredible, and it would not have been possible without the Stamps Scholarship. I was able to accomplish my dream of living abroad and traveling during my semester at the University of Barcelona. I made some of my best friends abroad, and I would not have been able to meet them or gain any of the cultural and life-enriching experiences that I did during my time in Spain.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
I would remind myself that it’s alright to take a step back and make choices for happiness. Your goals for success should be marked by your passion and interest; it is important to follow the path that helps you feel both fulfilled and successful.

Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
This is a more difficult question for me to answer. I have been so impacted and inspired by my peers and professors at UCLA and the Stamps Scholarship. I have had the opportunity, through multiple organizations and experiences to expand my network and meet people with so many varying interests and backgrounds who inspire me daily. It has been incredible to grow alongside so many inspiring, strong-willed and capable people who strive to change our world for the better. UCLA has provided me the opportunity to immerse myself in a community of people who inspire me to push myself and broaden my perspective in life.

What comes next?
I will be interning in Washington D.C. for the summer. I then plan to attend a paralegal program to gain greater experience in legal work before I apply for law school.