Name: Veronica Arredondo
Community College: Mesa & Miramar Colleges
UC San Diego College: Muir
Major: Literatures in English
What advice would you give to transfers who are currently at community college?
The best advice I can give is to never give up your dream to transfer into the school of your choice. After all, this is your life and YOU are going to live it. At the end of the day we have to make our own decisions. And, of course, be aware of all important dates and deadlines; make sure to keep track of these somehow. Be they homework assignments or events you wish or need to attend: keep track of these so that you don’t end up feeling overwhelmed later on.
What was the hardest part of transferring?
I think the hardest part of transferring for me was getting used to the quarter system; the switch from a 16-week semester system to a 10-week quarter system was definitely something that took some getting used to. I think the PATH Academy, which was 5 weeks, really prepared me for this experience. The next hardest thing was probably trying to find my way around campus (UC San Diego is huge!) but, again, PATH certainly helped me to at least not feel so lost during those first weeks of school.
What has been your experience as a transfer student at UC San Diego?
So far, my experience has been really great. I really like my classes; I like being able to continue learning so much more about literature. I’m very grateful that I have friends from PATH I can see and talk to, and even have classes with sometimes. This campus is enormous, so it’s good to know others.
How has the PATH program helped you?
PATH has helped me be aware of the different resources available to me, such as the Career Center and where the many different community centers are. I’m not sure I would have had such a good experience otherwise because my shy nature would have not led me to find these resources on my own. Along with that, help finding my way around campus is definitely something I am tremendously grateful for.
What was your favorite part of the PATH program?
I think my favorite part of PATH was having the opportunity to stay on campus. Unfortunately, I am not able to stay on campus during the other quarters, but being able to have this opportunity and experience living in school even for a month was amazing. Also being able to take classes and getting to experience a classroom environment before actually starting fall quarter was really helpful.
What tips would you tell future students about the UC San Diego campus?
First and foremost, find out where everything is around campus as soon as possible. This may include where your classes are, the library, the closest parking lot, the literature building (as a humanities major, even if you are not in Warren college, you need to know where this is), where your college advising is located, and your major advising. Also, as long as you know where Geisel Library is, you should be able to orient yourself around everywhere. Very important: Talk with your respective academic and college advisers. Figure out how you can get your classes done with in the fastest way possible (if this is your goal), and also plan out your time at UC San Diego.
What are you involved in on campus?
I am mostly involved with the Arts and Humanities Division as an intern, a position I was able to obtain due to my experience with PATH. I like being able to share how PATH has helped me and thus help new incoming transfers. I am still looking to see if I find any clubs interesting.