Karla Estudillo, a 4th year International Development Studies major and Latin American Studies and Anthropology double minor, will graduate this quarter as an involved and model member of the UCLA community and the Volunteer Center staff. Her service both to the UCLA community and to international communities is remarkable. Not only is Karla dedicated to whatever she involves herself with, she has a genuine inclination to help others and plans to continue on this path after her graduation.
After graduation, Karla will continue her service journey by serving as a year-long intern at Viento Fresco, a local community center located in Medellin, Colombia, which aims to be a safe space for all in the Medellin community. By utilizing her skills in providing nutritional information, education, and mental health aid, Karla will be immersing herself in a position that she is passionate about. Karla writes of her next endeavor in her blog: “I will definitely have my hands full and my heart happy!”
While at UCLA, Karla has dedicated herself to academics and also managed to be involved in many organizations on campus. Karla holds the position of International Relations Director for Fellowship for International Service and Health (FISH), a service organization on campus that takes volunteers to Mexico throughout the quarter, providing health care to impoverished communities and teaching basic health management to community members. In this role she leads a dedicated team of 10-12 individuals in developing an English lessons curriculum, creating public health workshops and pamphlets, and engaging the community through activities and outreach events. In addition, she is a member of Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Incorporated , a founder of the UCLA Achievement Scholars Club, a dancer in Grupo Folklórico de UCLA, has traveled to the Dominican Republic with Global Medical Training at UCLA, and is a member of the campus ministry Grace on Campus..
In addition to all of her academic and extracurricular activities, Karla has worked for over two years as an Events Assistant for the UCLA Volunteer Center, helping to further the Center’s mission of promoting service and civic engagement to the UCLA community. During her time at the Center, she has played a role in nearly all of the Center’s programs. You may have encountered Karla in Bruin Plaza spreading the word about upcoming volunteer opportunities, at a Project SPELL workshop helping tutors prepare for lessons, or on campus interviewing one of UCLA’s great volunteers for a website spotlight. Or, you may have attended a One Bus, One Cause with Karla as your Project Leader. In each task she undertakes, Karla exhibits her passion for service and the joy she feels when helping others.
Upon reflection of her collegiate experience and her achievements, Karla had these words to say: “I am so grateful for this journey, for my education, and for all the knowledge I have gained in these 16+ years of schooling. More than anything, I am so grateful to God for always opening doors for me!”
The Volunteer Center staff wishes Karla the best in all of her future service and personal endeavors. Congratulations, graduate!
Karla is currently raising financial support for her year of service in Colombia; if you wish to support her, please visit her fundraising page.Thank you!
