Hayley McCowen '04

 

What Do You Admire About Dr. Ralph Bunche?

Did UCLA’s diverse student body alter or improve your outlook on life?
I was fortunate enough to grow up in a community where I was exposed to people from a wide array of ethnicities and religious beliefs and I feel that my time at UCLA served as an extension of that. The diversity at UCLA was one of the most important factors in my decision to attend UCLA and I benefited from interactions with students from all walks of life—both inside and outside of the classroom. My outlook on life has changed for the better and I think I am better able to understand the actions of others and take into consideration their background and belief systems.

Have you experienced discrimination?

I think the best way to overcome discrimination is to defy the stereotypes. I often encounter stereotypes when I tell people that I was in a sorority in college. I think it is funny when people say, “You don’t seem like a sorority girl,” whatever that means. Or when I tell people that I am an only child and the next question is often, “Are you spoiled?” Or when people assume that because I am a minority that I must hold certain political views. I have learned not to limit myself by what others think or expect from me and not to be discouraged by any form of discrimination. I can’t be defined by overly simplistic labels, like minority, sorority girl or spoiled only child. Sometimes people are surprised that I’m an accountant---as if they expect me to march around with a pocket protector and calculator. Occasionally, at work some people treat me differently because I am young and straight out of college. The best way to overcome this type of age discrimination is to prove that I am intelligent and that what I may lack in experience (right now), I make up for with a strong work ethic, determination and a top-rate UCLA education.

What do you admire about Dr. Ralph Bunche?
I admire Dr. Bunche for his dedication, determination, courage and hard work, which were the chief factors in his spectacular career. In 1922, Bunche was valedictorian of his graduating class at Jefferson High School—the first of his race to receive such a distinction. His celebrated career included an active role in the civil rights movement in the United States, the establishment of the United Nations and international mediation. As a scholar, educator, civil rights advocate and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Dr. Bunche personified the American dream. I believe the Bunche scholarship is relevant here in California, and that it serves a vital role at UCLA. This scholarship ensures that the legacy of Dr. Ralph J. Bunche flourishes and supports students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Have you applied Ralph Bunche’s ideals to your life?
I have applied Ralph J. Bunche’s ideals to my life and my community through community service projects at my church, Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. Recently, I participated in “40 Days of Community,” in which I and approximately 9,000 other Saddleback members collected, sorted and distributed food to more than 35,000 homeless people in Orange County. There are a great number of people in Orange County living day to day in motel rooms, and through this project we were able to provide them with food, personal items and the knowledge that there are people who care about them and want to help. Through Saddleback Church, my family and I participated in Operation Christmas Child, in which we gathered at a friend’s house and filled approximately 200 shoeboxes with toys, candy and personal hygiene items that were later sent to children in desperate situations in more than 95 countries during the holidays. Our church members even collected over $1 million for the tsunami disaster relief efforts in one weekend.
After graduation you moved back home.

What do you like about being back with the parents versus going it on your own in an apartment?
I love living at home with my parents. It is wonderful to come home after working a full day and have a home-cooked meal. Also, I am fortunate to discuss my day with my parents and keep current with what is going on in their lives. I am extremely close with my family, and I treasure our times together. I have plenty of years ahead of me to live on my own, and I know I will never regret living at home and spending time with the people who are most important in my life. Also, living at home is providing me the opportunity to save money and hopefully be able to buy a place in Orange County when I decide to move out. With the high real estate prices in Orange County, I think that living at home is a wise financial decision. And, since I’m an accountant, I’ve done the math.

Now that you are back in Orange County, let's talk about The OC - the show. Or what about MTV's Laguna Beach the supposed real OC? Fact or faux?
I actually don’t watch The OC or MTV’s Laguna Beach on a regular basis. But, in order to be able to respond to this question I watched a few episodes to get a feel for how they portray life in Orange County. And, I would have to say that it is more fiction than fact. The perspective on Orange County is a pretty narrow and doesn’t reflect how eclectic Orange County actually is. Laguna Beach is made up of both very expensive and also more modest, beach bungalows. There is a wealth of art and culture that I don’t see reflected in either of these programs. In Laguna Beach alone, there is the Pageant of the Masters, the Sawdust Festival and numerous art galleries. Orange County has both low- and high-income neighborhoods and a lot of cultural diversity.

How did you end up at Deloitte & Touche?
During my internship with Deloitte & Touche in 2003, I gained valuable work experience and cemented my decision to enter public accounting. The first two weeks of my summer internship consisted of training in both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Throughout the summer Deloitte hosted a variety of intern events where I was able to connect with firm members. We attended an Angel’s baseball game, a Kenny Rogers concert at the Hollywood Bowl and even went on a boat cruise in Newport Beach. My internship provided me the opportunity to work on a variety of Deloitte’s audit clients, through which I made valuable connections and ensured a job after graduation. I also gained an accurate idea of what the real world would be like when I graduated from college—which I think is why I am enjoying my job so much now. From my internship experience, I knew what to expect before I started working at Deloitte.

What are your plans for the next five years?
Pass the CPA exam and continue working for Deloitte. I would like to take one meaningful vacation a year. I want to travel to Scotland, Italy, New Zealand and Australia—to name a few. I also plan to resume guitar lessons and playing the cello. I love the ocean and being in the water, so I want to become more proficient at surfing. While I was at UCLA, I was a member of the Bruin Masters Swim Team and also taught swimming lessons at Sunset Recreation Center. I would like to start swimming and playing water polo competitively again. I will continue to excel at work and eventually find and purchase a place of my own. I enjoy serving the community through the projects offered at my church and I may possibly participate in a mission trip through Saddleback’s Global PEACE Plan or help out with one of the youth groups. I would also love to help coach water polo or swimming at my alma mater, Irvine High School. I am an avid backpacker and on my list to climb in the next five years are Half Dome, Mt. Whitney and Cactus to Clouds.

What aspect of your job surprised you?
I was surprised by how much I continue to learn at work. Even though I have graduated from college and am no longer in school, I am constantly learning new things about my profession and about myself. Entering the “real world” is an incredible process of self discovery.