To all the girls who are struggling to believe in themselves: know that I was once in your shoes. Soon, I’ll walk across the stage in a cap and gown, bidding farewell to the memories I’ve made. Although college once seemed impossible, UCF is now my proud home. When I was seventeen, my attention was more on daily routines than on any dream career, and my family, unfamiliar with college preparation, couldn’t guide me. Raised by my mother and grandmother, both of whom did all they could for my sister and me, I eventually realized that making a change had to start with me.
Coming from an immigrant family, I relied on discipline to face uncertainty after high school, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Unsure of my future, I researched affordable colleges in Florida late into the night, determined to find a practical path forward.
While many conversations focused on the traditional college experience, my priority was choosing the right path for my situation. The pandemic’s impact made attending a four-year university daunting, so I started with online courses at Valencia College and prioritized saving for my eventual transfer to UCF.
Before my transfer, I had a smooth transition from high school to Valencia College, as the school guided me through my next steps. The Valencia community felt smaller and safer, and it was a place I eased into with confidence. When applying to UCF, I felt excitement for a new beginning mixed with anxiety about what could go wrong. In my first year, I discovered many options for finding my place, choosing a major, and accessing campus resources for transfer students.
Like any transfer student, I chose the major that best suited my interests: psychology, with a minor in English literature. The psychology department was massive, with many students and faculty ready to help new students adjust. Because of my life experiences, I started goal-driven, determined to pursue a degree in psychology, though I felt conflicted about navigating campus life and social activities. While there were many options to connect with classmates in my major, I also wanted a social experience that went beyond academics.
If you know what it is like to feel small in a large crowd, you are not alone. College forces you to grow out of old habits and learn how to live independently. It is a life-changing experience that challenges students in the best way. This is the time to step out of your normal, make mistakes, and believe in the potential you have.
Eventually, changing my major to political science gave me a fresh opportunity to discover my true passion for politics. This change also allowed me to envision myself working as an immigration lawyer after attending law school. The experience of growing up in an immigrant family shaped me, and I found that I could now connect with others and their stories after entering political spaces.
If I could restart my transfer journey, I would tell myself to approach college with openness instead of pressuring myself to fit in. My main regret is not fully using UCF’s transfer services, which offer support for academic planning and goal-setting resources often overlooked during the transfer process.
Transferring schools isn’t just stressful; it can be enjoyable. I made the most of it by finding creative ways to celebrate small accomplishments and stay motivated. Romanticizing the experience through vision boards and photo diaries can make the experience memorable.
The hardest part about being a transfer student is finding your people. My number one tip for making friends is to forget about how people perceive you and improve your social skills. Making friends in class is one of the easiest ways to put yourself out there. Trust me, others might be open to connections and are scared to make the first move. After joining a student club or organization, ask someone to grab coffee and have a conversation by asking questions about the club; there is always room to move the conversation forward.
Lastly, one of my most memorable moments is studying abroad in Costa Rica. Remember, college is over in a blink, and every moment matters. Take the initiative to try new things and say yes to opportunities, even those outside your comfort zone. Your journey can lead to self-discovery, new friendships, and unexpected growth. Embrace every chapter, find joy in your passions, and trust that even small steps forward will shape your future. Be patient with yourself because each experience prepares you for the next stage. You have the power to define your college story.