Connect with one of our student ambassadors!
The college search process is not just about choosing a place to study. It’s also about choosing a community to join. Occidental prides itself on its dynamic, engaged, and passionate student body, and we’re excited to connect you with some of them.
Each of the students below has volunteered to candidly answer any questions you might have about life at ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ.
Allegra '28 (she/her)
Hometown: Tucson, Ariz.
Major: Music Composition
Minor: Philosophy
Allegra is deeply involved in Occidental’s music and arts community, participating in Chamber Jazz, Jazz Ensemble, College Chorus, Dance Production, and several student bands as a bassist and vocalist. She has also worked on Occidental’s marketing and communications office and with Scribble Community, a local nonprofit music venue. Through these experiences, she has explored her creative passions both on and off campus. Outside of school, Allegra enjoys spending time at the beach, scuba diving, and experimenting with 3D modeling and printing.
Burch '27 (he/him)
Hometown: Bellevue, Wash.
Major: Diplomacy & World Affairs
Minor: Critical Theory & Social Justice
Burch founded the ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ Run Club with friends during his sophomore year and currently serves as president. As a junior, he studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, through SIT’s Social Movements and Human Rights program, where he interned with the trans rights organization Asociación Civil Mocha Celis. Outside of class, Burch enjoys running with the Eagle Rock Run Club, practicing hot yoga, exploring Los Angeles’ food scene, playing volleyball, reading on the Quad, and catching films at Vidiots.
Drey '27 (they/them)
Hometown: Hong Kong
Major: Comparative Studies in Literature & Culture; Theatre & Performance Studies
Drey is active across campus as a member of the ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ Rugby Club, Dance Production, Glee Club, and theatre productions. They recently appeared in Occidental’s mainstage production of Head Over Heels. Outside of class, Drey enjoys reading, spending time with friends on the Quad, exploring California’s hiking trails and beaches, and diving into Los Angeles’ arts and music scene. They can often be found at concerts, punk shows, and other live music events around the city.
Maddie '27 (she/her)
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Major: Urban & Environmental Policy
Minors: Critical Theory & Social Justice; French
Maddie has been involved in campus advocacy efforts through the Occidental Labor Alliance and other student organizing initiatives. She also participated in ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ Outdoors and studied abroad in Montpellier, France, where she explored food systems, language, culture, and politics. In her free time, Maddie enjoys going to the ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ pool, attending music events around Los Angeles, and thrifting and upcycling clothing.
Sam '29 (he/him)
Hometown: Hangzhou, China
Major: Sociology
Minor: Public Health
Sam serves as the event chair for the ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ Sociology Society and the American Cancer Society, helping organize community events and fundraising initiatives. He is also active in the Tennis Club, the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA), and volunteers at local food banks. Outside of academics, Sam enjoys exploring Los Angeles, from hiking in the mountains to discovering new neighborhoods and searching for the city’s best croissants.
Sophia '28 (she/her)
Hometown: La Mirada, Calif.
Major: Politics
Minor: Education
As a transfer student, Sophia has found community through campus involvement, including serving on the Diversity & Equity Board of Associated Students of ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ (ASOC) and participating in Transfer Student Union events. Through a Politics Department internship course, she worked with the Collective for Liberatory Lawyering, where she learned about movement lawyering and community building. Outside of class, Sophia enjoys spending her weekends playing ultimate frisbee with ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ’s club team, WAC.