It takes a certain determination to be able to optimize four short years at UCLA, but Todd Glass was able to do just that. “I’ve always wanted to go to a school at a big university in the city with great sports,” Glass expressed. While maintaining a 3.912 GPA, Glass was able to double major in history and political science with a concentration in international relations, and studied abroad for a summer at Cambridge University.
In addition to his academic merits, Glass also held four internships in three years, been a standards board member of Alpha Epsilon Pi, coached for youth basketball, and volunteered at the Special Olympics. Glass explained that balancing both academics and work all came down to time management. “The point is that there isn’t always enough time in the day to accomplish everything. Thus, it is important to organize your time in such a way that you can maximize your productivity and achieve everything you set out to do,” Glass said. Although it was important to set practical goals, he set higher goals so he could reach higher grounds. History professor John Langdon praised Glass as a student who “had consistently exhibited a healthy intellectual curiosity in his study of the historical enterprise. He had the tenacity to ferret out the complexities of the history he was studying.” Glass was a stellar example of someone whose passion for learning extended beyond the classroom and whose wide range of interests allowed him to experience the diversity of academics and people at UCLA.
Glass believed that the most important thing to success was to come into a new environment with an open mind. Coming to UCLA, he felt that he should be more active and step outside of the boundaries limited by high school. Initially skeptical about joining a fraternity, Glass found that joining AEPi was one of the best decisions of his UCLA experience. Glass’ passion for traveling and sports also led him across the West for football and as far as San Antonio for basketball. The important thing is to take that first step and be adventurous and explore the possibilities that UCLA has to offer.
Upon graduation, Glass planned to enter the work force at a consulting firm. Glass’ words for future Bruins was that “UCLA has something to offer for every student and it is only a matter of time before you find your particular niche. Work hard, have fun, and embrace the UCLA college experience.” During these four years, Glass demonstrated to future Bruins the many possibilities here at UCLA.
