To all my fellow transfer Bruins, congrats and welcome to UCLA! My name is Oseas. I am currently a third-year transfer student, majoring in History and minoring in Chicano Studies. I transferred from my local community college, Palomar College, in San Diego, CA. While at UCLA, I was involved in the Student Transfer Outreach and Mentor Program (STOMP), the Community Programs Office, and served as a Bruin Ambassador. Coming to a new city, I was scared, excited, and anxious. However, I can honestly call this place my “home away from home,” and say I belong at UCLA.

During high school, I never imagined myself coming to UCLA. I was that kid in school that had low grades, low SAT/ACT, and overall had no true direction in life. This affected my motivation to apply to UCLA or any university since I believed that there was just no point in me applying. However, having that second chance by going to my local community college, working hard regardless of the pandemic lockdown during that time, I was able to apply and be admitted to UCLA.

As a first-generation Latino student, the importance of education was stressed in my family since both my parents did not have the same educational opportunities in Mexico that I have in the United States. During my junior year of high school, I experienced a trial that ultimately affected my life. My parent was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while I was at school, resulting in a disruption in my academics. As a result, I was almost in danger of being in homeless since my parent was the sole breadwinner of our family, and also in danger of going towards the wrong path since I began to hang around the wrong people. However, with the constant reminder of how important education is and the sacrifices both my parents did to get me to where I am today, I did everything possible to prevent the deportation of my parent from the United States. I fought hard, worked extra hours at work while being in school full-time, and pleaded before an immigration judge to not split my family. Today, my family is together. I know I am not the only one who went or is currently going through this, however, the reminder of how powerful education can be can change the trajectory of a family forever.

I am proud to be a transfer student and to be part of this community. The story of transfers is an honorable one with many coming from diverse backgrounds and communities. UCLA has the most amazing transfer resources such as the Transfer Student Center, and also the outstanding support from faculty, administrators, alumni, and fellow Bruins. All these resources and support allow many transfers to graduate on time and develop amazing connections during and after their time at UCLA. I made some strong connections in the legal field since my intent after graduating is to pursue a career in law and commission as an Officer in the U.S. Military. UCLA has really helped me.

In addition, coming to a new city can be intimidating especially for me since I did not have anyone I know living in Los Angeles. However, residing in the University Apartments with other transfer students allowed me to build bonds that will last a lifetime. In addition, I thought I had no way to pay for college after transferring from a California Community College. However, the UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships office allowed me to obtain different scholarships to continue my education at UCLA, while not breaking the bank.

UCLA is an amazing place for students, especially the strong transfer community. I love the fact that campus is filled so much diversity that not all schools have. It doesn’t matter what you are into, here at UCLA, you will find a place where you can be you. I am proud to be a Bruin!

One advice that I will give to my fellow transfers is: you belong. Working hard to get to UCLA is a big deal. In my Mexican household when I received the news I got in, almost everyone was emotional including myself. Setting foot at UCLA for the first time for class, I just knew this place for me. The amount of people you will meet is extraordinary and I can say even though most transfers are at UCLA for just two years, you will never forget that first step as a student at the #1 Public University.

Congratulations!