Rania Notowidigdo

Rania, a Seventh College Political Science and Public Policy major, came to the United States from Indonesia.  Last summer, she took a three-week course that provided important insights into the effects of climate change and forced migration.  It prompted her to narrow her focus to environmental law and public policies, which she believes will best prepare her to work in the climate change arena.  Climate change is a pressing matter that concerns the livelihood of people across the globe; however, Rania recognizes that less developed countries like Indonesia, have been disproportionately affected.  “I wish to become an advocate for environmentally friendly policies and those negatively affected by climate change.”  Her personal goal is to move back to Indonesia, returning with the education and experiences necessary to work and contribute to the field of climate change in developing countries.

Rania used to measure her success through her academic achievements.  She feels differently now.  “My true achievements are what I am able to learn from and give back to the communities around me.”  An achievement she holds dear to her heart is the “out-of-kitchen” cinnamon roll bakery she began in Indonesia during the pandemic.  She built the business from scratch, from creating the recipe to doing the sales and marketing.

Dancing is another one of Rania’s passions.  She is a member of four dance teams on the UC San Diego campus, one of which is a collegiate-level competitive team.  Her love of dance began as a child.  She grew up practicing the traditional art of dance in Indonesia and has danced competitively since the age of ten.  “Dance, throughout my life has introduced me to loving and caring individuals who care about me, my health, and my success.  Furthermore, it has surrounded me with hard-working individuals and groups who inspire me to push myself out of my comfort zone.”

Rania is still deciding whether to pursue law school or a Master’s degree, but one thing is clear; she’d like to get some hands-on experience with local communities and experts who are already fighting climate change and learn from them.