As an incoming freshman I was experiencing distinct imposter syndrome, not sure what I was doing at such a prestigious institution. I was a young 17-year-old and lacking confidence that I could compete, but after my fall quarter grades came in, I did pretty well, so I felt less overwhelmed the rest of the year. My freshman calculus series was most memorable due to the superb teaching methods of my professor Raymond Redheffer.
As part of my participation with the UCLA Computer Club, I volunteered to teach some of the free evening computer classes brought to the campus by the club. Through this experience I discovered my love of teaching that continues to this day as a UCLA Extension instructor. I also remember all the time I spent in Pauley Pavilion watching the likes of Bill Walton during the basketball championship years.
There are way too many “favorite places” around UCLA’s beautiful campus, but if I had to choose one, it would be the Kerckhoff Hall coffeehouse where I spent many hours studying, meeting with friends and enjoying the college lifestyle.
I savored all the CS classes required for my major. Having Leonard Kleinrock (father of the Internet) as a professor was particularly memorable. At the time, I didn’t appreciate all the math and stats classes I had to take, but later in life I greatly appreciated the knowledge I acquired because it helped me a great deal for my career as a data scientist today.
UCLA Computer Club flyer, 1975
UCLA represented a transformational time for me. I learned how to think at UCLA. Going to UCLA was one of the most important decisions I ever made in my life.
While at UCLA I experienced the microcomputer revolution. Later, I experienced the Internet revolution, and now I’m experiencing the third revolution in AI. I like to think my UCLA legacy is being in a prime position to take advantage of each of these revolutions.
The early 1970s was a turbulent time in the U.S. and at UCLA. Anti-Vietnam War and civil rights protests were frequent around campus. Also, I recall many lunchtimes spent in the crowd around Meyerhoff Park listening to comedian, activist and aging hippie/bohemian “Swami X” with his common refrain “M*****F*****” what do you care about the revolution!?”
I’m pretty happy with UCLA’s role in the world. It makes me proud to be associated with the No. 1 public university. I hope the school continues its leadership in educating generations to come.
