Skip to Main Content

Finding a sense of belonging

Connecting with a STAND coach

Building motivation & confidence

"My favorite thing about STAND was my coach, because she understood me at a mental level — at a life level. Not only being a person of color, but also a first-generation [college] student. She could relate to some of the struggles that I have faced, and seeing someone like myself succeed gave me encouragement.

— Bryan, STAND at ELAC participant

“One of my favorite things about STAND was the connection I made with my [STAND] coach. I felt like she was very understanding, very supportive [of] things that I talked about. I felt like I was paired with somebody who really could understand what I was feeling and what I was dealing with."

— Desirae, STAND at ELAC participant

"Bonding with the [STAND] coach, […] I felt more confident in doing the assignments with her, and it just motivated me more to keep on going." 

— Sofia, STAND at ELAC participant

Protocol ID: IRB#22-000635; UCLA IRB Approved; Approval date: 04/14/25; Committee: Medical IRB 3