Originally from California, Darren graduated from UCLA in 2014, double majoring in English and Political Science. He dedicated his undergraduate career to improving the academic experience for students at UCLA, being elected Academic Affairs Commissioner in 2014. Darren served on a number of committees advocating for students, including the Student Fee Advisory Committee and Faculty Executive Committee. Darren also worked for three years at the UCLA Lab School, a K-6 school on UCLA’s campus, as a teaching assistant. He worked as a student recruiter for four years for UCLA Undergraduate Admission, being promoted as a student coordinator in his third year of undergraduate studies. Darren moved to Marion, Alabama, in 2014 as a Teach For America corps member, working for six years in the Perry County Schools system. While working in the traditional public school system, he served as a department chairperson and class advisor. He also served one year on the school’s budget committee.