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January 30, 2025
Reflections on the First Quarter at UCLA: Lessons, Challenges, and Growth
As I reflect on the first quarter of my UCLA journey, a few thoughts come to mind. I have always had a connection to UCLA, as both of my parents attended the university, and my father played on the water polo team when he was a student here. Being able to continue their legacy has been a dream come true for me. UCLA and the water polo team have given me an incredibly valuable opportunity to pursue academic and athletic excellence at the highest level, granting me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for personal growth. It has been incredible to play the sport that I love while also receiving an incredible education. To win a national championship for UCLA (its 124th!) has been more than a dream come true, and I look forward to achieving similar success in the seasons to come.
Before this fall season, our team engaged in seemingly endless hours of training, both in the United States, as well as in Europe. Our incredible Europe trip offered me the opportunity to gain experience from competition against better players, as well as the time to connect with my new teammates. I am grateful to my coaches and teammates for welcoming me so quickly during that time period. After returning from Europe, our team trained consistently and with the sole focus of winning a national championship.
The rigorous training that we endured this season has taught me lessons of resilience and mental toughness, which I believe will translate to many other aspects of my life after college. Through my experiences this quarter, I have learned that I can do hard things, and that hard work is critical to achieving excellence. Our team’s consistent mentality of getting the most out of our training and out of every game we played through the summer months and fall season was what we needed to do to ultimately attain our goal for the season. Winning a National Championship has been one of, if not the greatest success in my life, and its feeling is unmatched. This experience has taught me what one can achieve when they put their all into something, no matter how daunting the test may seem.
Lastly, I have reflected on how grateful I am to Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children, my surgeon Dr. Anthony Scaduto, and the entire care team for everything they have done for me following my scoliosis diagnosis. Without them and the incredible care I received, I likely would not be where I am today. Just a few years ago, I was unsure as to the capacity that I would play the sport I love again. Thanks to Dr. Scaduto and the LuskinOIC team, I have been able to rise to the pinnacle of the sport of water polo in the United States, a dream I have had for many years.
Knowing When to Seek Care for Your Child: A Guide from LuskinOIC
As a parent, your top priority is keeping your child safe and healthy. But when your child is sick or injured, it can be hard to know what level of care they need. Should you call your pediatrician, visit urgent care, or head straight to the emergency department?
For non-emergencies, your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric urgent care center is often the best place to start. If your child’s doctor isn’t available—such as during evenings or weekends—urgent care can provide fast, effective treatment. Contact your pediatrician or visit urgent care if your child has:
You may also have access to virtual urgent care for non-emergency issues, allowing your child to be seen by a provider from home. Check if pediatric virtual urgent care services are available in your area.
If your child is seriously injured or ill—especially if the condition may be life-threatening or needs immediate attention—take them to the emergency department (ED). Seek emergency care if your child:
Your child’s health matters. When in doubt, trust your instincts—and don’t hesitate to seek care. LuskinOIC is here to support your family with trusted pediatric expertise every step of the way.