Name: Jessica Bravo
UCSD College: John Muir College
SDCCD College: San Diego City College
Major: Theatre
What advice would you give to transfers who are currently at community college?
If you are an arts or humanities major, don’t get discouraged by UCSD’s STEM reputation. You have a place here. The Arts and Humanities department is wonderful. Classes are not as large, and faculty are helpful, passionate and supportive. Keep in constant communication with your counselors, pay attention to deadlines, and make sure you get your IGETC certification.
What was your biggest fear about transferring to UC San Diego?
I was worried that I somehow wasn’t at the same level as students who attended university all four years. As a theatre student, I thought I possibly wasn’t equipped with the same knowledge or training, and I worried it would be harder to form lasting connections with my department’s faculty. Now that I’m attending UCSD, I realized that my opinions and interpretations are equally valued in the classroom, and the Theatre department is very welcoming to their transfer students.
What part of your transition was most difficult?
Transitioning from a semester system to a quarter system. There isn’t space to procrastinate in a quarter system, and you really have to hit the ground running so you don’t fall behind in your courses. UCSD has really helped me learn to manage my time better.
Why choose the PATH Program?
The PATH program provides an opportunity for Arts and Humanities majors to get a head start in their UCSD academic career. When transferring to a school that’s widely known for their STEM courses, the PATH program introduces you to the many opportunities in the Arts and Humanities, while setting you up in a supportive community.
How has the PATH program helped you?
Being able to live and study on campus gave me a tremendous head start in learning how to maneuver around campus, knowing the resources available to me, and setting up helpful tips to handling course work.
What was the most difficult part of the PATH Program for you?
The two courses gave me a glimpse into the expectations professors will have for me in class, specifically in writing. The hardest part for me was receiving constructive criticism on my writing that to an extent I’ve never experienced before. When I felt good about an essay I wrote, it was always pointed out where I could have done better. It was challenging and frustrating to receive grades lower than I was used to, but it taught me to further analyze my work and reach out to my professor for clarification more than I had in the past.
What UCSD resources do you find yourself using the most?
I find myself using the Writing Hub the most to brainstorm paper topics, successfully utilizing sources and structuring my paper. I also take advantage of the The Zone at the Price Center, who constantly hold different workshops that teach healthy living.
What tips would you tell future students about the UC San Diego campus?
Take advantage during week 0 to time out your classes. Figure out how long it will take you to get to class and plan accordingly. Library walk is also a great way to find various organizations you can join, though if you don’t like crowded places then it’s something I’d avoid.
What activities or organizations are you involved with on campus? How has it been so far?
I am currently involved in the TritonArts student organization, whose mission is to support students artists and create artistic appreciation in our community. So far it has been an amazing opportunity to get to see how big the artistic community on campus is. It has also been extremely educational in how to reach out to different department and faculty in a professional manner.