Major: Psychology & Spanish
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Where did you transfer from? Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University

Why did you choose to transfer to the University of Michigan? I chose to transfer to the University of Michigan because I was encouraged to apply by one of my professors at GRCC. I attended an on-campus tour and immediately felt this is where I belonged. Coming from a smaller college like GRCC, that sense of community was important for me to maintain, and I felt that despite the size at U of M, there is a place for everyone to be a part of multiple communities. I also realized that the University of Michigan offers many opportunities for its students both academically, professionally, and personally. There is always something to get involved in!

Based on your personal experience, what is the one thing you want to tell new transfer students? Don’t be afraid to take risks and challenge yourself with new experiences. Before transferring, I didn’t seek out many opportunities mainly because I didn’t believe I was capable of achieving those experiences and had no idea where to begin. This is your time to discover what you most enjoy and take part in professional and academic activities without feeling guilty about doing so. If there is something you are thinking of doing, there are so many resources to make your ideas a reality. Since being here, I have done so many things I only dreamt of doing such as studying abroad in Granada, Spain, securing my first internship, and taking part in student organizations. Through this process, it is important to give yourself grace.

How did you make friends and meet other students on campus? I attended the welcome program ALMA (Assisting Latinos to Maximize Achievement), that takes place the week before school starts which aims to help make the integration of student life easier. I also have met friends in classes by asking to exchange contact information and planning study sessions or attending events around campus.

What is your favorite part about being an LSA transfer student? I am truly inspired by the diverse journeys within our transfer community and love hearing about others’ paths. Each of us comes from different backgrounds, and by sharing our experiences, we can uplift and validate one another. As transfer students, we bring unique perspectives to life as students and are always eager to share resources and support with each other.

What do you know now that you wished you knew before transferring to the University of Michigan? I wish I would have known that there are many financial resources and scholarships that are easy to apply for, and obtain that help make the cost of attending Michigan more accessible and affordable.

Why did you choose your specific major(s)? I chose to combine psychology and Spanish because I initially aspired to work directly with the Hispanic/LatinX community as a mental health therapist. However, after completing an internship at an immigration law firm, I realized I want to work with this group in a different, but similar capacity. I now hope to utilize my skills in psychology and Spanish to assist immigrants in navigating legal challenges, while also providing them with resources, compassion, and empowerment.