Christabelle Marbun started acting at two years old because her mother could not find a babysitter. By 12, she had been nominated for an award.
The third-year philosophy student said she immigrated to Pasadena from Jakarta at 12 years old and was offered a chance to act in Hollywood after a showcase in Disney World in Singapore.

This post was updated May 15 at 10:43 p.m.
Audri Chang’s curly, silver hair and thick, black glasses are unmistakable as the 71-year-old restaurant owner shuffles between rustic tables, balancing platters of steaming food and exchanging friendly small talk with customers.

This post was updated April 10 at 7:14 p.m.
“Uncomfortable Conversations” is a series by Kirsten Brehmer exploring a broad range of topics that are hard to talk about, often go unspoken and need a space to be heard.

This post was updated April 1 at 10:5 p.m.
As colorful sarees and embroidered kurtas filled the dance floor, wedding guests danced to the beat of Bollywood music and Neil Pal’s dhol.

Although she never got to meet her Grandma Eileen, Meileen Taw keeps her memory alive by cooking ohn no khao swe.
Now in college, she honored her grandmother by sharing the Burmese chicken coconut noodle soup with the UCLA community.

Fusing traditional Indian sounds with Western pop, Vedika’s newest single proves that the two genres can complement one another.
Embracing her cultural roots, Vedika Sinha – who performs as Vedika – released her latest single, “take it as a compliment,” on Feb.

This post was updated Feb. 26 at 1:40 a.m.
A room inside Macgowan Hall went quiet as students shuffled across tatami mats, kneeling to acknowledge a purple flower and bowing to accept a bowl of matcha tea.

This post was updated Feb. 23 at 11:08 p.m.
Wearing a purple lei headdress and gold bangles, Kiara Elizabeth Santos welcomed students to an event as Native American and Pasifika music echoed across the De Neve Plaza Room.

This post was updated Feb. 25 at 11:10 p.m.
Cocona Mori is transcending music through her unique composition of sound and Japanese American heritage.
Mori – a third-year music industry student who performs as Cocona – released her second single “Tokyo Train” on Feb.

The Cicadas Chinese Calligraphy Club draws upon ancient tradition to write a new chapter at UCLA.
Founded in 2021, the student-run organization provides a space for like-minded Bruins to develop and use their Chinese calligraphy skills.