Major: Communications and Media

Hometown: San Francisco, California

Where did you transfer from? Northeastern University and City College of San Francisco

Why did you choose to transfer to the University of Michigan? When applying to transfer, I really wanted a school that would help keep me balanced. Michigan was the best choice for me with strong academics and extracurriculars, and a vibrant community I felt would support me. At Michigan, there are a plethora of opportunities to choose from and a million ways to really pursue your interests. I also was encouraged by LSA’s diverse curriculum and how students are encouraged to be well-rounded through studying a variety of subjects in addition to their major. 

Based on your personal experience, what is the one thing you want to tell new transfer students? Go in with an open mind! No transfer process is linear and everyone’s transfer journey is different. Take as much time as you need to transition and find your own path at Michigan. It might not go as you expected, but it might go even better.

How did you make friends and meet other students on campus? My biggest advice for making friends is to really put yourself out there. Most people are in the same boat as you and are also new, meaning that they are also really open to meeting new people. While it was intimidating at first, I really made the effort to put myself out there by joining everything I could. I introduced myself to people at transfer events, in my classes and club meetings as well. By giving myself every opportunity to meet new people and introducing myself, I was able to make friends of all different backgrounds and interests. 

What is your favorite part about being an LSA transfer student? I appreciate how LSA truly supports and uplifts transfer students with resources that set us up for success. Resources such as optiMize, the Transfer Student Center, Transfer Connections and the Opportunity Hub are all here to help transfer students transition and get involved.

What do you know now that you wish you’d known before transferring to the University of Michigan? I wish I’d known how supportive and welcoming the transfer student community is here. At first I was intimidated by the idea of being a brand new sophomore at Michigan and not knowing anyone, but I realized a lot of people are also in the same boat. There are so many transfers here and each transfer student is incredibly open minded. We each have our own stories of resilience, and while our stories may be different, there is so much to bond over and connect about.  I love getting to know other transfers and hearing about their own unique experiences, stories and backgrounds. 

Why did you choose your specific major(s)? I’m deeply passionate about communicating stories and messages that unite people. I hope to do this someday through working in the film industry in a marketing, business or advertising role. I know that Michigan’s Comms and Media Program will help me achieve this through providing me with a wide range of perspectives and skills.