By Sheryl Samala 

Jesus Reyes, a first-generation Latino from the San Fernando Valley, arrived at UCLA unsure of where he would find community. During his first year, he struggled to feel a sense of belonging. Originally a political science major, he ultimately found his place in public affairs, drawn to the program’s hands-on approach and focus on public policy. 

Reyes credits Luskin’s undergraduate counselors with helping him navigate that transition. From guiding him through the application process to ensuring he stayed on track for graduation, the counseling team played a key role in shaping his academic and professional path. 

“If it wasn’t for one of the counselors, Erika, I don’t think I would be where I am today,” says Reyes. “She motivates me to keep going.” He added that having mentors from similar backgrounds made a meaningful difference, providing not only academic guidance but also personal and professional support.

Reyes interned with Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA—29) through the University of California, Washington Program (UCDC).

Through opportunities shared in Luskin’s student communications, Reyes secured his first internship in the California State Senate, working in the office of Sen. Caroline Menjivar. He later built that experience with roles in the offices of Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur and Congresswoman Luz Rivas, gaining exposure to policymaking at multiple levels of government.  Now graduating in just three years, Reyes has made the most of his time at UCLA. He participated in the UCDC Quarter in Washington program, representing his home community on a national stage, and studied abroad in Paris, where he explored issues of globalization.

Reyes at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, during his study abroad program.

“A lot of the classes I took here in Public Affairs mirrored what I was learning abroad,” Reyes said. “Many of the concepts I learned in school directly reflected what I saw, experienced, and studied in Paris.”

Reyes encourages other students to step outside their comfort zones and take advantage of opportunities such as study abroad, where classroom concepts come to life in new and meaningful ways.  

Far from the uncertain first-year student who arrived on campus three years ago, Reyes has steadily built on each opportunity he encountered at UCLA. His experience reflects the impact of Luskin’s hands-on approach—equipping students not just with knowledge, but with the experience and perspective to pursue careers in public service. 

Reyes with members of his League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) fellowship cohort.