Upon graduating in the Spring of 2010, Andrew Lee will have proudly completed the first crucial stage in a deeply rewarding education, having sustained a prolonged inquiry into English literature and theoretical perspectives of 20th century philosophy. A recipient of the 2008 South Bay Bruins Community College Transfer Scholarship, Andrew was inspired by becoming an Alumni Scholar to achieve the most of his education at UCLA and strive for university honors as well as departmental honors.

In his senior year, Andrew will have finished his undergraduate thesis in semiological approaches to studying the genre of fantasy, focusing upon Philip Pullman's popular trilogy His Dark Materials. Following the story of Lyra Belacqua, Pullman constructs a contemporary fantasy equal to J.R.R. Tolkien's monumental work, the Lord of the Rings, as well as offers a post-modern rendition of John Milton's Paradise Lost, with an emphasis on the relevancy of theology and physics to modern perspectives of philosophy. Employing a structuralist and post-structuralist approach, Andrew will endeavor to tackle issues concerning the construction of meaning and the relevance of Derridian notions of freeplay in the further development of modern theory, analyzing the significance of Pullman's incorporation of multi-dimensions.

Having never acquired a high school education, Andrew preceded directly to a college milieu by first auditing classes at California State University of Long Beach (CSULB). Exposed to graduate level classes in English literature as his first class room experiences, Andrew was early on inspired by academic pursuits. Excelling in advanced courses at CSULB, Andrew began his official education at Long Beach City College at the age of 17 with numerous letters of recommendation from his professors at CSULB. Over a period of three years, Andrew became deeply engaged in college life, balancing rigorous studies with campus involvement. During his years of junior college, Andrew earned an Associate's degree with President's honors as well as participated in faculty panels and choir activities. Outside of the classroom, one of his fondest memories at LBCC involve tutoring students in English through the Writing and Reading Success Center, having the opportunity to convey his passion for language and literature to students at all stages of their education.

After his graduation, Andrew intends to earn a law degree from UCLA and pursue a future legal career in the rapidly growing field of animal rights. He is excited that as the public becomes more aware of the rights of animals, this field of law is gaining the respect that it deserves, and he believes that the issue of animal rights warrants comparisons to civil rights. He also holds that humane treatment of animals results in more civilized conditions for all human beings. With a steadfast belief in Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy that "the greatness of a nation can be measure by how well its animals are treated," Andrew eagerly anticipates a career in this challenging but rewarding area of law in the humane treatment of animals.