Through the eyes of our graduates

Sunday, June 9, 1996

Education important in saving mother natureOn a stressful day,
graduating senior Daniela Ortner sits outside to enjoy nature and
watch the squirrels playing in the trees.

"I love the squirrels at UCLA," Ortner said. "They’re
everywhere. When I’m stressed out about exams, I sit down for 10
minutes … watch them, and I’m fine."

But for Ortner, the squirrels are but a small part of what made
her time at UCLA significant.

A year and a half ago, Ortner made the decision to transfer from
Santa Monica College to UCLA ­ a decision she does not
regret.

"Going to UCLA was a giant event for me," Ortner said. "(When) I
transferred here, I pretty much did what I wanted to and I enjoyed
it."

Since arriving in 1994, Ortner has pursued an anthropology
degree. She tutors athletes in Griffin Commons to help subsidize
her true passion ­ wildlife education and protection.

"I’ve always had a close connection to nature," Ortner said.
"Through travel, I saw how beautiful (the world) could be and how
ugly it could be when you destroy it."

It was early 1996 when her passion for nature led Ortner to form
the International Wildlife Education & Conservation, a 200
member non-profit organization involved in a variety of
conservation projects.

The group sponsors outreach programs to elementary school
students and helps to ensure that zoos provide a healthy
environment for animals.

"It doesn’t seem that the system has enough funds," Ortner said.
"We provide (students) with basic information. Knowledge is the
first step in being active."

Juggling a non-profit organization with an honors grade point
average has been difficult, but Ortner maintains that the effort
was well worth it.

Regardless of the difficulties, she contends that it is possible
to do well and find a niche in the university.

"When I think about (the) many students (at UCLA), it’s
overwhelming," Ortner said. "You have to find your way through and
not be intimidated by the size."

As a transfer student, Ortner felt she was at a disadvantage
without a network of friends to rely on, but she believes that
enrolling in smaller classes, talking to professors and students
and being involved can make the university easier to deal with.

Higher education is an entrance to life beyond college, Ortner
said. She believes that all students should have equal opportunity
at such a diverse institution.

"For me, it’s really important that students have access to the
university," Ortner said. "When people don’t have an education,
they have a difficult time getting on with their own lives."

Story written and interview completed by Patrick Marantal.

Daniela Ortner

More perspectives from Grads:

Michelle Antic

Nelly Amador

Mike McCool