Hi everyone!

My name is Blen (She/Her), and I am currently a Junior/first-year transfer student majoring in Biology and minoring in Biomedical Research, pursuing a career in healthcare. As I was preparing to graduate high school, I was faced with financial barriers and was unsure of what I wanted to study, so I decided to go to the nearest community college with the plan to transfer to a four-year university afterwards. I went to Diablo Valley College (DVC) in Pleasant Hill, California, for two years. My time at DVC was transformative and empowering, I had amazing mentors and many opportunities for growth. I was active on campus, serving as a board member for multiple clubs and working part-time as a student ambassador.

When it was time to transfer, I was initially nervous, but receiving my admission letter from UCLA changed everything. My younger sister, a freshman at UCLA at the time, had shared her positive experiences, especially the support she received from the Freshmen Summer Program (FSP) through the Academic Advancement Program (AAP). Knowing all the resources at UCLA, such as the Transfer Student Center, the Black Bruins Resource Center (BBRC), and AAP, made my decision easier. I knew UCLA was the place for me.

I applied to the Freshmen & Transfer Summer Program (FTSP) as soon as I could and got an acceptance notification a few weeks later. By the end of July, it was time for me to move to LA and spend seven weeks living on campus. As someone who had always lived at home, I was nervous and started doubting the process. I even remember going to my sister’s apartment the next day and just wanting to stay there. But I pushed myself to fully commit to the experience, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made. I was able to grow as a person, meet most of my closest friends now, and get much-needed exposure to academic life, campus resources, and programs at UCLA ahead of time. It truly set me up for success as an incoming transfer student.

Additionally, I learned about the Center for Community College Partnership (CCCP) through TSP, and I have been working as a Peer Advisor with CCCP for almost a year now, supporting community college students in their journey to transfer. CCCP focuses on strengthening partnerships between UCLA and California community colleges, with a mission to increase accessibility for underrepresented and underserved students. As a Peer Advisor, I work closely with students, faculty, and staff at Los Angeles Southwest College. Being part of CCCP has been incredibly rewarding—I’m able to give back and support students who are walking the same path I did.

Reflecting on my time at UCLA so far, I can confidently say it has been transformative and inspiring. I’ve found welcoming communities, supportive mentors, and countless opportunities to grow. As a first-generation and low-income student, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support and guidance of AAP. For me, what’s most important when attending a big school like UCLA is finding your community and making it your own. I know it’s easier said than done, but I promise if you put yourself out there, you’ll discover amazing things and even more amazing people!