Why we started 1ST
Everything began in May, 2020 during a UCLA Global Health class taught by the founder of this organization, Dr. Maryam Farzanegan. Dr. Farzanegan was inspired to create a student initiative with the purpose of addressing students' needs and concerns that had been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students joined the initiative and developed a survey for the class, asking about major concerns and access to resources. Over 100 students completed the survey (results on the right).
The survey responses inspired us to start this organization and to develop projects and initiatives to address the needs of our fellow peers. We decided to direct our efforts towards four main basic needs including housing, mental health and wellness, food and nutrition, and access to higher education.
We hope to grow the 1ST community and continue to find innovative ways to address these needs far beyond the pandemic!
Over 1/2 of students reported food as their most important concern.
Over 1/3 of students reported lack of access to mental health care resources as a major concern.
Over 1/3 of students reported overcrowding at home and more than 1/2 reported a lack of quiet spaces as a concern.
Over 1/3 of students reported a lack of wifi/internet connection as a concern.