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Transfer Student Spotlights

We have some amazing transfer students here at UC San Diego! Check out these student spotlights to learn more about how transfers can maximize their experience! Accessible version of student spotlights can be found here.

 

Donnet Montanez Revelle College Transferred from: Venture College Major: International Studies Involvement: Research Assistant at OASIS, UC Sacramento Being a transfer student means... I think a transfer is that person who has the tools to succeed because they’ve already been through their school experience in community college. Usually transfer students are a little older too; they already have experience working in the past and having a career. But at the same time, I feel like we’re half way there because as transfer students, we already completed our stuff at community college, but what’s the next step. As a transfer student, you’re definitely more prepared than a freshman. But at the same time, it doesn’t mean you’re fully prepared to make that transition.

Anabel Novoa Marshall College Transferred from: Cerritos College Major: Political Science - Sociology Involvement: Discussion Leader for Marshall College, Triton Food Pantry Volunteer, Raza Resource Center Being a transfer student means... To me, being a transfer student in general means that I didn’t do that whole after high school transition to a four year. I’m actually both a transfer and a reentry student so I didn’t know what I wanted to do so I kind of took a hit and was like ‘I’m going to do community college.’ So I guess transfers kind of just took a different path, and it worked out better for me.

Jose Cardenas Marshall College Transferred from: Imperial Valley College Major: Political Science - International Relations Involvement: Vice Chair of External Affairs at Marshall Student Council, Co-Chair of Transfer and Re-Entry Students Trust Being a transfer student means... A transfer is someone who is just the same as every other student, albeit they do have more rushed experiences than most students. You get to work with a lot of people in the same position as you. Yeah, we’re all here and it feels like we have to do everything at once from the moment we step on campus, but we can do it together. I would say that it’s a challenge, but as other transfers have already proved, it’s a challenge that can be overcome. Education-wise, I would say that you have to go as fast as you can. You don’t get that four-year experience which means you don’t have as much time to connect with professors. For example, if you want to do research or things like that you kind of have to do it from the get-go. I would say that this campus hasn’t always been kind to transfers. We’re currently losing our only transfer area, The Village, and it sometimes feels like the administration would rather focus on newer students.

Alma Renero Revelle College Transferred from: El Camino Community College Major: Molecular and Cell Biology Involvement: Administrative Assistant at the Undocumented Student Services, Research at Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Research Intern at an off-campus research institution Being a transfer student means... Being a transfer student means that I am more prepared than a traditional college student. As a transfer student I learned to study efficiently and search for opportunities that are not readily available. Not being a traditional college student also allowed me to find what I am really passionate about. Being a transfer student also means I am more adaptable to new situations as many of us transfer students enter school in our junior year so we don’t have much time to get used to the rhythm of the UC system or search for opportunities. I think transfer students are driven and passionate in everything they do. Take a lab class your first quarter if you plan to do research while at university.

Andrew Provisor Sixth College Transferred from: Grossmont College Major: Linguistics major with a specialization in Language and Society Involvement: Transfer Year Experience Discussion Leader, Linguistics Undergraduate Association, Undergrad Research Assistant, RPG Club Being a transfer student means... I would say it’s coming into an established place with a completely new perspective. It’s almost like […] someone coming into a foreign country for the first time, in that transfer students have a unique perspective. They have different priorities, they have different customs, […] and ways of living their life that aren’t necessarily the same as people who have come in from the beginning and grown with the institution during their time here. So on the one hand, it does create some problems with connectivity. Like, ‘How do I make this work with what’s already going on in my life?’ Because I can’t, unfortunately, make campus the entire center of my life. But at the same time, it ends up being beneficial, because I’m able to use those outside perspectives and those additional resources I have outside of campus to enhance my ability and experiences here.

Paris Eisenbeiss Warren College Transferred from: Butte College Major: Communications Involvement: Warren College Student Activities Intern Being a transfer student means... I feel like being a transfer means I have a lot to offer to the campus because transfers do come from a bunch of different backgrounds and everything. They have a lot to offer and a lot to say, and I feel like a lot of the times they don’t really get the attention that they really need, cause people are like “Oh, they’re already ahead in their lives, they know what they want.” But it’s hard! It’s hard, coming to college is hard for anyone. But I just feel like being a transfer is having a very diverse background.

Mignote Tadele Marshall College Transferred from: Grossmont College Major: Political Science-International Relations Involvement: Black Resource Center Mentor Program Being a transfer student means... It means that I’ve accomplished a great deal. I don’t think I took the easy way going the community college route. It’s cheaper, which is a blessing. Some people say it’s easier, I just think it’s more intimate because in a lot of my classes I had the same professors at SDSU. But the more days I spend here, I feel more proud of myself. At first, I diminished my accomplishments because my cousin, at the same time as me, got into the medical program, which is phenomenal and I’m very proud of him, but I didn’t feel like celebrating my accomplishment because I had been in community college for so long. But the more that I’m here, the more I’m like, ‘I’m so proud of you.’ I constantly tell myself that ‘I’m proud of you, you’re supposed to be here, keep working at it,’ because it can be discouraging being in these classes and you don’t really know what’s going on because you didn’t take the same classes as everyone else. So I feel like I have to run around and learn these things that people learned in freshman and sophomore year, but it keeps me motivated, in a way, to sometimes feel like I don’t belong because I know that I do.

Inga Romm Eleanor Roosevelt College Transferred from: Santa Monica College Major: Political Science- Public Law Being a transfer student means... When I transferred here, I was so nervous that I only had two years. This is a huge campus, and there are so many resources, and I have only two years to explore everything. But, transfer year experience, college advisors, my department’s advisors, and the community itself, made me feel like two years is enough for me. Like, if you’re really diligent, study hard, work hard, you’ll belong to this community. Because I would think, ‘Oh, a lot of freshman […] they can study abroad, they can do UCDC or UC Sacramento, but I don’t have time for that!’ But being a transfer here doesn’t make me more disadvantaged. I have all the same resources they can use, I just gotta use them now, and not think, ‘Oh, I can do something later.’ Just act now, do it now, study hard, and belong to this community.

Miranda Demarrais-Spero Sixth College Transferred from: Santa Monica College Major: Communication Involvement: Sixth College Transfer Senator and STORCS President Being a transfer student means... Being a transfer student gave me a second chance. I thought because I did not do well in high school that I would never get to go to college. Going to community college reinvigorated my passion for learning and made me see that I could achieve whatever I set out to do. I was able to maintain a job and do over a full-time class load which helped me learn how to multitask and manage a large amount of responsibility. As a transfer student I bring my outside experience to UCSD, which I believe creates a more well-rounded environment. Going to such an impressive and massive school can be a nerve-wracking experience. I went from being in classes with 40 people to 400 people. It is easy to get overwhelmed. Instead of letting all of the differences of UCSD stress you out, explore what you can gain by being at this school. There are so many different opportunities provided, and I believe everyone could find a way to get involved with something that they are interested in. I sought out communities of like-minded people by getting involved in student council, clubs, and just talking to the people in my major classes. Being a transfer, time flies by very fast. Enjoy the time that you have and make the most of every day.

Vincent Duong Marshall College Transferred From: San Diego Miramar College Major: Public Health Involvement: Flying Samaritans, Pre-Physician Assistant Student Organization (PPASO), Vietnamese Students Association, Initiative for Music Education and Mentorship (IMEM) Being a transfer student means…. A transfer student is someone who takes a non-traditional route to higher education. Whether our paths were through a community college or another university, what ties us together are not only the challenges we face integrating ourselves into established social groups, but also the unique life experiences we bring to UCSD. These experiences could be anything from giving college a second try, raising children, or military service. With little to no time to have the quintessential college experience, our past experiences shape the way in which we approach our education and make friends. My advice to other transfers, especially commuters like me, is to make a genuine effort to join organizations not only for professional reasons but also for social purposes. To put it clearly, this is the best (if not the only) way to make friends outside of class. Even if you don't feel like it, get yourself out to every GBM and as many org events as possible. If you start to feel lonely, keep yourself busy without spreading yourself too thinly. That way, you can strike a balance between social, academic, and professional development.

Dani Smith Revelle College Transferred From: San Diego Mesa College Major: Human Biology Involvement: Campus Ambassador and Student Educator for Homeless HEAL as well as a UniversityLink Medical Science Program Ambassador Being a transfer student means…. Being a transfer student means knowing how to handle any kind of challenge and knowing how to grow from any outcome. Don't you dare for even a second start to compare yourselves to those around you. We each have our own story to write and plagiarizing someone else's struggles or successes will only leave the pages in your book full of someone else's story rather than your own. Know that this journey, though it be familiar, is brand new to you, so allow yourself the space to grow and adjust.

Jacob Biglow Muir College Transferred From: San Diego City College Major: Psychology Involvement: CASP, Muir Honors Program, Scholars Society, OASIS Transfers to Careers cohort, Psi Chi Being a transfer student means…. I think being a transfer student sets me apart. Most of us do not have the same resources as the "traditional" college student. Many of us work to get by while we are in school. But what I may lack in resources, I more than make up for it with my drive, determination, hard work, and willingness to make sacrifices that are necessary to pursue my goals and make them into a reality. I am taking advantage of all of the resources being offered to me by UCSD and creating a valuable network of mentors and like minded peers to help me get to my ultimate goal of grad school and a career as a children's therapist working in a local school district. Being able to excel in college while taking a harder path than others, gives me grit and I know my experiences during this journey will make me a valued member of wherever I work when I reach my goal of being a therapist. I will bring all of my abilities and know-how from my path along the way and this will allow me to give back and be an effective therapist to help others enact the changes they want to make in their lives. My advice to transfers is to not be too hard on yourself. In my experience, the transition from a community college semester system to the quarter system at this university is not an easy one. You may make mistakes along the way and that's okay. I believe it is okay to stumble, but when you do, stumble forward. I get my best lessons and learn the most from my mistakes, so do not be afraid to make them. I think that things are only mistakes if we do not learn from them. Remember when you are here and if you are feeling out of place, that you earned your spot at this university and that you more than belong. Take advantage of the resources that are available to you. There are many wonderful people here who want to see you succeed and reach your full potential. Believe in yourself and there will be nothing that you cannot accomplish.

Adarsh Parthasarathy Warren College Transferred From: DeAnza College Major: Political Science—Data Analysis and History Involvement: Warren College Honors Program, KSDT, Associated Students, Triton Lobby Corps, Triton Transfer Hub, research (I can hook you up if you’re PoliSci) Being a transfer student means…. Being part of a diverse community...original, I know. But that’s really what the community of transfers is at UC San Diego. I’ve met incredible transfers from all over the state (and the world) since coming to campus and I feel like it’s made my time here rich with experiences. I also feel that being a transfer gives me a greater sense of accomplishment at the end of the journey than being a freshman would have. I carved my own path, and there’s something wonderful about knowing that everyone around me did the same for themselves. Advice: GET INVOLVED...yet another piece of original advice. But seriously, getting involved is the only way to stay afloat in college. The Triton Transfer Hub probably would not exist had transfers like me not joined student government. That’s the power that every student on this campus has; you can change, create, and redefine YOUR SCHOOL if you’re willing to commit to your vision of a better UC San Diego.

Bruce Xu Revelle College Transferred From: Santa Barbra City College Major: Sociology Involvement: Chinese union 2020-2021as Human Resources Director Being a transfer student means…. I need be more hard working than freshman students to get involved to campus. The advice I have for transfer students is don’t feel your are not below to this campus. Try your best to involved in your campus community.

Erin Rosales Eleanor Roosevelt College Transferred From: Diablo Valley College Major: Human Biology Involvement: Campus Ambassador for Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Resident Advisor in The Village, Transfer Year Experience Discussion Leader, Student Researcher at the UC San Diego SOM, Panhellenic Executive Board (VP Service), Alpha Chi Omega Being a transfer student means…. As a transfer student, I feel that we provide a unique perspective to our upper-division coursework, had not taken lower-division courses here. Transfer students are hard-working and motivated to achieve their degrees and make the best out of their transfer experience here at UC San Diego. I would advise that transfer students connect with their professors through office hours and Dine with a Prof/Coffee with a Prof programs. Transfer students’ time is already truncated to ~2 years at UC San Diego and it is important to network with your professors for a potential career or job offer or letter of recommendations!

Aliya Paracha Marshall College Transferred From: Saddleback Community College Major: Cognitive Science Involvement: TRiO in Oasis as an Upward Bound tutor for Maths and Sciences Being a transfer student means…. A slight diversion of your journey, but a second chance to make new memories and gain experiences and dexterity towards one’s ultimate goal. It might seem a little hard at first, almost like starting college life from scratch, but remind yourself that there are others just like you, struggling but striving through it, and always remember your aspirations and ambitions because the finish line is not too far now.

Mirelle Castaneda-Barranco Marshall College Transferred From: Sacramento City College Major: Education Involvement: Intern for the Class In Sight lab, transfer to Career student through OASIS, I undocumented student center, note taker for students with disabilities, alum programs, peer mentor for the TRIO program Being a transfer student means…. That you come into campus with different skills and experiences but with less knowledge of all that a campus like UCSD has to offer, so we have to quickly become acclimated to campus. I think it means we have more experience in our field or a better idea of what we want to pursue in the future, which positively influences our experience here as well. I would say seek out resources and opportunities because there are so many, and give back to the programs that might have helped on your journey to UCSD.

Emma Wu Eleanor Roosevelt College Transferred From: San Mateo College Major: International Business Involvement: All Campus Transfer Association (ACTA) Being a transfer student means…. Not only that I am on an alternative path to pursue higher education, but also provides me a chance to experience interchangeable school systems between semester system and quarter system. Furthermore, I am able to learn more by interacting with various people who come from different backgrounds, age groups, experiences, and more. Be active and maximize your time in UCSD. Get out of your comfort zone and explore new things. Don’t give up on things when they do not come the way as you expected because we can’t always predict what will happen. Instead, take a deep breathe, lay back, and enjoy. By the time you look back, this could be one of the precious moments in your life. Therefore, work hard and play hard!

Nathaniel Badii Revelle College Transferred From: MiraCosta College Major: Public Health Involvement: Co-founder and current head of Andy’s Pantry, a partnership between the Department of Family Medicine & Public Health and the UCSD Basic Needs Committee Being a transfer student means…. In transferring into UCSD at the age of 25, I was able to prove to myself that it’s never too late for anyone to return to school and share their talents with the world. Go hard the minute you arrive on campus. There are thousands of amazing opportunities at UCSD, all waiting for you to join and bring your unique perspective and skillset, but it’s up to you to make yourself known. For more information on Andy’s Pantry, check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kon9CPyNZLM

Lauren Hui Marshall College Transferred From: University of Washington, Seattle Major: Physiology and Neuroscience Involvement: Health Beat Career Peer Educator, neuroscience research intern at the Salk Institute, President of Transfer & Non-Traditional Students for Health Being a transfer student means…. To me, being a transfer means I am part of a diverse and incredibly talented transfer community on campus! I am frequently inspired by how my fellow transfer students are able to adapt and thrive in the limited time we have on campus. I didn’t feel fully integrated into UCSD until my second year, when I started working at the Career Center, and from there, I had an opportunity to start my own student organization, TNT for Health. Being a transfer-oriented organization has allowed me to work with fellow transfers and non-traditional students who are driven and motivated to better our communities at UCSD and beyond, and I am so grateful I was able to help re-establish it. One piece of advice I would give to fellow transfers is to not be afraid to ask for opportunities and to get involved in as many things as you’re interested in, because though our time at UCSD is short, it’s never too late to start something new!

Vincent Liu Eleanor Roosevelt College Transferred From: Mission College Santa Clara Major: Clinical Psychology Involvement: Psy Chi Club member, upcoming Orientation Leader Being a transfer student means…. It's an unusual case for me. I am in fact considered a junior transfer student but just so happens to be the age of a freshman, so whenever I introduce myself, I just call myself a first-year to simplify things. But in all honesty, being a junior transfer a lot to handle and a grind to rush through; a whole lot of studying and hard work. But I didn't say it wasn't worth it. Because listening to people of this diverse community is inspiring and I enjoy the chance to go out, make connections and earn opportunities that I didn't think I would get if I were a freshman. My advice? Through personal experience, there is always going to be an obstacle down the line. Whether it is the university not giving priority transfer housing or facing the global pandemic, or even worse... stressing out on your MMW 122 research paper that you've been procrastinating on. Will it matter? will you still be stressing about it after 10 years? What about 5? A couple of months? Even if you didn't do good, as long as you can honestly say to yourself "I've done the best I can do" and have put in the effort, then that's that, you've done what you can. It's after-the-fact that it is important, that you've taken the "L" and still have the strength to stand back up and persevere the next obstacle. Those muscles will grow stronger than ever and with some hope and faith, nothing can stop you. c:

Pamela Elguezabal Eleanor Roosevelt College Transferred From: Southwestern College Major: Sociology Involvement: 2018-2019 Mexican Migration Field Research and Training Program, ERC Break Away Global Service in Puerto Rico, Alternative Breaks: Public Health Site Leader, Health Frontiers in Tijuana (HFiT) Summer Intern, Department of Sociology Honors Program, Social Innovation Fund Recipient for Public Health Outreach Being a transfer student means…. Being a transfer student means being resilient. Many transfers, like myself, also find themselves balancing work and commuting. Despite being on a time crunch and just as lost as any incoming freshmen, we fake it till we make it. I have yet to meet a transfer student that lacks grit! My advice for incoming transfers is to get involved in the most intentional and passionate form possible! There are an overwhelming number of organizations and opportunities, but it is important to find 2-3 communities wherein you find yourself developing long-term connections and experiences. Try not to feel discouraged if it takes a few months to find what you are looking for. You are not alone.

Parsa Ganjooi Warren College Transferred From: Ohlone College Major: Math and Economics Involvement: Mens Club Water Polo, Kappa Sigma Fraternity Being a transfer student means…. Being a transfer student to me means I have less time to get adjusted to the UC system as a whole. My advice is to get involved as soon as possible!

Katelynn Rowley Revelle College Transferred From: MiraCosta College Major: Marine Biology Involvement: Women’s Lacrosse Team, Table Tennis, Ocean Lovers Club, Campus Ambassador Being a transfer student means…. Being a transfer student to means having had the opportunity to enjoy my education in two diverse learning environments as well as being able to connect to my local hometown community and using those connections to further my education at UC San Diego. My advice is enjoy the time you have on campus! There are so many great people on campus from staff to peers meet as many people as you can and attend as many activities as your schedule allows.