Through the eyes of our graduates
By Daily Bruin Staff
June 9, 1996 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 9, 1996
Commuter finds power of the mind on the roadFor the past five
years, Nelly Amador has driven an hour each day from her Glendale
home to UCLA to pursue her dreams.
And over those years, Amador, a fifth-year senior graduating
with a neuroscience degree, has expanded her knowledge of the
scientific field.
"I want to be a medical researcher in the field of
neuroscience," Amador said. "I was adamant about staying at UCLA
because it has one of the more prominent departments and dedicated
professors in neuroscience."
A degree in neuroscience at the undergraduate level is a recent
addition to the university. Amador will be a part of the third
graduating class for the interdepartmental degree.
But for Amador, part of her success lies with the dedicated
professors who have taught her throughout her undergraduate
studies.
While Amador enjoys her classes and respective professors, her
focus while attending UCLA has been research, including studies at
the Brain Research Institute.
"The research aspect has been the most important part of my
education," Amador said. "(Since) high school, I thought that UCLA
would provide me the opportunity to conduct research."
Through her work and studies, Amador attended a recent meeting
of the Society of Neuroscience  a gathering where graduates,
professors and researchers share their findings  and
presented her research to the organization, the only undergraduate
to do so at the conference.
Amador also earned UCLA’s Outstanding Senior Award, honoring
graduates for general excellence.
She received the award not only because of her research and
academic honors, but also for her volunteer efforts in the UCLA
community.
Through extracurricular activities and her ties with professors
and friends, Amador has established her own niche within the
community.
"Take advantage of every opportunity you get at UCLA," Amador
said. "Don’t just focus academically. Be active in organizations
because the friends … you make will last you the rest of your
life."
Story written and interview completed by Patrick Marantal.
Nelly Amador
More perspectives from Grads:
Daniela Ortner
Michelle Antic
Mike McCool
