Sacramento’s ‘bracelet girl’ continues passion for service in Los Angeles at UCLA
(FOX40.COM) — The young girl who became a Sacramento sensation for the success of her bracelet initiative to spread kindness is all grown up and ready to continue her acts of service at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Video Above: Sacramento Girl finds new way to pay it forward during turbulent times
Leah Nelson was just 10 years old when she went viral for her “Becuz I Care” program that encouraged people to treat others with kindness. She created bracelets that did not cost money – but required people to commit to doing something nice for someone else. Nelson, who celebrated her 18th birthday on April 11, was recently accepted into the prelaw program at UCLA where she plans to take her good deeds to the next level.
West Sacramento Girl Finds New Way to Pay it Forward During Turbulent Times
“It’s time for me to completely focus on my path of helping people. I know that’s what I’ve been called to do,” Nelson told FOX40.com on Monday. “I really want to be a contract lawyer to help non-profit organizations and maybe sports agencies since I love sports.”
In August of 2023, Nelson said she committed to playing basketball and study law at the University of California, Merced, however, after much prayer and consideration she decided that UCLA to solely study law would be the best route for her.
“I have nothing but kind words for UC Merced,” Nelson said. “The women’s basketball coach welcomed me with open arms and has been super supportive no matter what my decision was. I just feel like this is the path God wanted me to take.”
Nelson said part of her decision to go into law, rather than play sports, was the opportunity to make a bigger impact.
“Lawyers are really expensive, and there were times where I wish I had access to one. I think I can make a difference by donating my time to non-profit organizations that might need me,” Nelson said. “I’m super comfortable with this decision because I’ve always been the type to let God lead. God has paved a way for me to really help people.”
Sacramento Girl’s Mission for Universal Kindness Goes Viral
Although the decision may have been difficult, Nelson said she had a great support system.
“I asked my parents for advice, but they always said it was no one’s decision but my own. There wasn’t any pressure, and no one told me what to do,” Nelson said. “They gave me information to help me make an educated decision, and I think that was really helpful. I had time to really think, pray, and make the best decision for myself.”
Nelson said a win for her is a win for everyone who supported her.
“This is an accomplishment for everyone who has ever been a part of my journey up until this point,” Nelson said. “I’m so thankful for the community who has rallied behind me – whether it was family, friends, or the people who helped spread the kindness bracelets.”
Nelson’s parents are excited to see what the future holds for her.
“I see her dreams all coming together,” said Leah Nelson’s father, Charles Nelson. “She worked hard to put herself in a position to have options – there was never any wrong answer for what decision she should make.”
Charles Nelson told FOX40.com that Leah Nelson has always excelled in sports, philanthropy, and academics so regardless of her path he knew she would be okay.
“UCLA is a school filled with exceptional people. For Leah to be a part of that is an awesome feeling,” Charles Nelson said. “She worked hard and achieved the impossible. I couldn’t be more proud of the example she is for other young people.”
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