Project WILD

"Creativity is intelligence having fun." -- Albert Einstein

Good luck on finals everyone!

Can't believe the Project Bruin field trip was a week ago!

2017 Open House at our Temple site was a success! 🏠 Thank you to all the tutors who came to site!

Last site of the year before field trip!

Meet Rebecca Stark, who has been the Co-Exec for our Temple site for the last 2 years and this would be her 4th year in Project WILD. You've been such a dedicated member and amazing leader! Thank you for all your hard work!
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Philosophy

"When I began tutoring with Project WILD in September of my freshman year, I didn't really know what it would be like (and I was a little hesitant to wake up early on Saturday morning). Four years later, Project WILD has been one of the defining parts of my time at UCLA. Not only am I grateful for the relationships that I've formed with my tutees, but I also feel immensely lucky to be surrounded by fellow UCLA students who have similar passions. Even though I'm sad to be graduating, I know that the incredible memories I've made in P.WILD throughout the past four years will be with me for the rest of my life."

Karen Chou
Director Position: Records Director at Temple
Year: 4th year
Major: Nursing

"Waking up early on a Saturday morning is always hard, especially since we would like to take the day off to just relax. I know that I definitely struggle to get up early. However, the things that motivate me to get out of bed and the apartment are the kids and my responsibilities as director/tutor. Also because I have most of the papers needed to give out for site that day haha. Part of being a Records Director is printing out a lot of necessary papers.

One thing I learned about being a tutor and a director is that you create a BIG impact in these children's lives. Consistently being there for site and working with your kid really helps to see the progress that the child has made since joining PWILD. You will know their strengths and weaknesses and by utilizing this knowledge, you can provide valuable input in the curriculum making. Not only that, you will learn their likes and dislikes by casually talking to them and this can also help the students with their learning process by making it more personalized to them."

Meet our Retention and Recruitment director, Jessica Arizmendi De La Torre!
Year: Junior
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Chicana/o Studies & Music History
Current Favorite Bands/Artists: Young the Giant, The 1975, Bruno Mars, & Carlos Vives
Favorite Memory in Project WILD: "Honestly every site holds great memories for me! However, if I did have to choose, my favorite memory was when one of my tutees actually asked me to give them homework, so that they can continue to learn!" 😭

Hope you all had a well-rested spring break! ^_^ Today, we'd like to feature one of our devoted and multi-talented directors-- Sarah Yoon, a 4th year.
Major/Minor: Psychology and Film&TV
Position: Seedling Curriculum Director @ Temple

"I started out as a tutor and decided to apply for the director position because I truly believe that everything we do has an impact on the children. I was a tutor for Beginning Level and I sensed the need for a curriculum that catered more towards the younger tutees, who were simply inexperienced in dense reading. So decided to become the Seedling Curriculum Director and create curriculums that prepare tutees for the Beginning Level. One of the most fulfilling moments as a Seeding Curriculum Director is when I sense the growth and improvement in the tutees. Each week the children become more confident and skilled at reading and as a curriculum director, it is very exciting to see the progress. Most of all, watching the children opening up to you is one of the nicest feelings and the bond that form throughout the year is what motivates me to wake up Saturday mornings!"

"My name is Rachel McMillan and I am a second year Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics major and Spanish minor. I am Project WILD’s Activity Director for our Temple site, and from being Activities Director, I have learned a lot-- mainly that any painting activity will result in happy students, but 30+ minutes of clean-up. I have also learned that students really like crafts that they can take home.

My favorite memory of Project WILD was when my student, Catherine, tried to go onstage with Hula Dancers at Project Bruin and later tried to cover up the n**e statues in the sculpture garden with her jacket. Another favorite memory was we went to the Natural History Museum on a field trip and my students enjoyed learning about ecology, but were adorably horrified that none of the animals in the exhibits were alive. "