Major: Sociology 

Minor: Writing

Hometown: Hemet, CA

Where did you transfer from? Mount San Jacinto College

Why did you choose to transfer to the University of Michigan? 

Transitioning to a new school can feel daunting especially coming from a first-generation out-of-state college background. When I first began searching for schools that matched my educational and career interests, I came across the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). LSA offers distinctive support services that aren’t offered at every university, and this would make my transition smoother, as I am coming from two-thousand miles away. LSA offers a fascinating Transfer Student Center where transfer students can meet other like-minded scholars from all walks of life, which is incredibly valuable, as transferring to a large institution can be overwhelming.

Based on your personal experience, what is the one thing you want to tell new transfer students?

Everything happens for a reason! 

How did you make friends and meet other students on campus?

Whether you transfer in the Fall or Winter, as a transfer student it can still feel abnormal to be in a new institution where students have already formed existing relationships. You should take the time to recognize that you also belong here and that there are plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded individuals who share the same passions, identities, and backgrounds as you. For instance, in the Summer of 2023, I was a participant of Assisting Latinos to Maximize Achievement (ALMA), a four-day summer bridge program for incoming Latine first-year and transfer students coming in from various parts of the country. ALMA provided the platform where I connected and engaged with students, staff, and faculty who share the same cultural identity as me. The program allowed me to become confident navigating the university’s large campus and having a network of familiar faces who I could rely on during my first semester at the university. In addition, I became incredibly invested with the LSA Transfer Student Center (TSC) by my second semester. Through the TSC, I have been able to meet some of my strongest and most meaningful relationships, who I see on a regular basis. By finding your community, it will help you create a sense of belonging at such a large public university like the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. It is important to put yourself out there and periodically attend transfer networking events such as Game Nights at the TSC, which could lead you to finding your community.