"There are only four kinds of people in the world:
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those who have been caregivers,
those who are currently caregivers,
those who will be caregivers and
those who will need caregivers"
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Rosalynn Carter
Community
One of the biggest goalposts of growing the Caregiving Student Initiative is to create community for these invisible group of students. This is why the Bruin Caregiver Scholars (BCS) student association was formed.
The Future of Caregiving Student Initiative
Creating a sense of community for caregiving students, often termed as "invisible" due to their dual roles and the unique challenges they face, has been a foundational goal of the Caregiver Student Initiative at UCLA. This led to the establishment of the Bruin Caregiver Scholars, an official student association designed to serve as a supportive network for these students. The initiative not only aims to bring visibility to their struggles but also to foster an environment of understanding and support within the university. As I approach graduation, the continuation and expansion of this crucial community support system are assured through the appointment of a capable successor, who is committed to advancing the initiative and nurturing the growing community of caregiving students at UCLA.
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This transition marks a significant milestone in the lifecycle of the Bruin Caregiver Scholars, ensuring that the baton is passed to hands equally driven by passion and dedication to the cause. My successor is equipped with a deep understanding of the initiative’s objectives and possesses the enthusiasm required to propel it forward. This ensures that the foundational efforts to support these students will not only persist but also evolve in response to their changing needs. Through continuous advocacy, enhanced support mechanisms, and expanded membership, the Bruin Caregiver Scholars is set to become an even more integral part of the UCLA community, making a lasting impact on the lives of caregiving students.
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Understanding the Life of a Caregiving Student: A Conversation with Aitana Allen-Perez
In efforts to raise awareness about the overlooked Caregiving Student Identity, the Bruin Caregiver Scholars makes it part of this goal interview more caregiving students and sharing other ways to for people to understand what it's like to juggle dual roles. I interviewed Aitana Allen-Perez, a dedicated UCLA student, to learn about how she balances academics and her significant role as a caregiver for her autistic brother. Aitana shares deep insights into the personal and financial challenges she faces, providing a raw look into the life of a caregiving student.
Can you tell us about your family and your role as a caregiver?
Aitana: My family consists of four people, including my brother who is 24 years old and has severe, level three autism. This means he has very low functionality and requires extensive assistance for basic tasks. Since childhood, I've helped care for him as he needs constant support. My mother has been the main caregiver, but as I've grown, I took on legal responsibilities by declaring myself as a conservator to make decisions on his behalf since he cannot express his own needs or preferences.
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What kinds of responsibilities did you take on growing up, and how have they evolved since you started university?
Aitana: Initially, my tasks were simpler—ensuring he was not alone and managing his immediate surroundings. Over time, I took on more complex duties like meal preparation and helping with his physical care. He's much taller than I am, which makes physical tasks challenging. Since starting at UCLA, I've had to adapt how I support him due to the distance, but I frequently travel back to San Diego to assist my family.
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How has being a caregiver impacted your life personally and academically?
Aitana: It's made me incredibly empathetic and taught me to prioritize others' needs, often adjusting my own schedule drastically. It affected my social life and academic performance in high school, and continues to influence my university experience. I have to manage my studies around his needs, sometimes requiring me to return home suddenly.
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Financially, how has caregiving affected your family?
Aitana: The financial impact is significant. My brother's needs require costly adaptations—from travel to clothing and medical care. He also has a hearty appetite, which adds to the expenses. My mother works, but it’s been tough; she often had to align her job with his school schedule or work from home.
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Do you feel supported by UCLA as a caregiving student?
Aitana: While UCLA has provided substantial scholarship support recognizing my financial needs, I haven't found specific support for caregiving students. It often feels isolating as caregiving discussions usually focus on elderly care, not situations like mine.
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With your experiences, have you had to travel back to San Diego often during your time at UCLA?
Aitana: Yes, fortunately, the academic calendar has breaks that align well with times when I need to return home. However, the travel costs are a burden since I fund my education and each trip home is an additional expense.
Aitana’s story sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of caregiving students. Her determination and resilience highlight the importance of understanding and support for students who manage similar responsibilities alongside their education.
Contact
President
Ashlie Dao - ashliedao@ucla.edu
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Vice-President
Dhrumil Kharva - dhrumilkharva273@ucla.edu