Meet Ulani Mafate, March All Ways Up Scholar of the Month

Ulani Mafate is a senior at UCLA and one of two Ambassadors connecting with All Ways Up Scholars attending UCLA. She has really enjoyed her role as an Ambassador: "Simply knowing that I'm a resource for other students is a constant reminder of how far I've come. Also, meeting with my peers has been a great way to take a break from the high-pressure circumstances that come with being a student. I'm reminded that we're all just kids going about this brief, once-in-a-lifetime experience as undergrads."

We recently had a chance to sit down with Ulani and ask her a few questions:

What have been your favorite extra-curricular activities during college?

I love to sing and make music with my friends. Some of my favorite activities have been being a part of Acapella, Spring Sing, and the Acts2Fellowship, a Christian student group on campus. I also really enjoy working out at the gym.

What advice do you have about getting through the pandemic and taking classes virtually?

Truly, look at all the positives that virtual schooling has brought. We get to wake up later, we don't have to spend as much gas money, and teachers are a lot more lenient these days. But, make sure to designate at least one day/night out of the week to take care of yourself, and take full advantage of being in the comfort of your own home. Finally, don't spend too much time in your head. Have a whiteboard and planner to get through the day efficiently.

As you prepare to graduate, what are you most looking forward to and what are you most anxious about?

I'm really looking forward to the extra time I'll have for all of my personal projects. Once I graduate, I will have a great opportunity to go all-in with my music pursuits, including continuing with my YouTube channel. I want to find an apartment of my own and become a landlord, write for a magazine and write a book, network in the professional world, and build relationships that I will actually be able to nourish. I have grown a lot since freshman year when I just wanted to be an author and go to grad school.

Of course, I'm anxious about the pressure to become independent straight after college, and the downside of feeling without institutional direction. But, negative thoughts and feelings are, have, and always will be a part of me, so I know I can handle them.

Congratulations, Ulani! You have quite an exciting (and busy) future ahead of you.