Hi everyone! I am really excited about the year ahead. We already have some great events on the calendar that you should take advantage of, and many other exciting things coming down the pipeline.
I come from the luxury fashion industry, and was seeking a career change. With some dumb luck, I came across the UCLA Extension Arc-ID program on the day classes opened for enrollment, and I decided to go all-in. I hadn't spoken to a counselor, nor anyone who had taken classes, and somehow found myself with a full course load and classes starting almost immediately! When I began my classes, I wasn't really sure where to find opportunities, or how to connect with my peers. I was thrilled to find ASID, and have been meeting so many inspiring fellow students, and learning that there are so many opportunities out there, but it takes sifting through information.
When I got appointed as the President of ASID, I thought to myself - ASID should be more of a leading resource for our students. The Extension program can feel transient, and whether you are coming or going, you should always feel like ASID is here to keep you connected.
Our talented group of board members are all doing their part to uphold the three chapter goals we made for the upcoming year:
1) To increase our chapter membership by 25%, and to clearly relay the benefits of becoming an ASID student member to the UCLA Extension Arc-ID community.
2) To offer our student chapter members meaningful events, networking and volunteer opportunities.
3) To strengthen our stance as a leading resource of information to all students enrolled in the UCLA Extension Arc-ID program.
You have no idea how many cool opportunities come our way. So stay in touch, and maybe not everything is for you - but one great lead is all you need to jumpstart your career. I look forward to meeting you all throughout the year, and hope by this time next year, you feel like you got something meaningful out of ASID.
Very Best,
Maria Matis Kennedy
