In addition to her literature major, Dalea is pursuing a minor in Public Service. Her goals and volunteer work reflect her commitment to a “productive public service career that is both fulfilling and successful.”

She is enrolled in the Thurgood Marshall Honors Program, where she has also served as a Resident Assistant. She has learned a great deal from her experience as an RA. This work has led to personal growth and honed her skills in “time management, project coordination, and collaboration.” At times she has felt “helpless to alleviate certain struggles” her students face, but she has strived to become someone who lets others know that, if nothing else, she “is looking out for them.” She also volunteers daily at a cooperative restaurant on campus.

Dalea is motivated by what she likes to call “being a descendant.” As the daughter of refugees, she honors both the challenges of generations before her as well as the “hope, joy and progress” made by her large family and ancestors. This is why she never wants to take her life at UC San Diego for granted.

She plans to pursue law school. Her primary goal is to work with communities fighting oppression.