Colleges, Challenges and Change
By Wynter Muro
Photos provided by Wynter Muro
Reflecting upon my time as an undergraduate student brings an array of emotions; I think about the 17-year-old girl I was when I first arrived onto Chaffey College’s campus grounds, the world at my fingertips with so much left to learn. I can still feel the couch that I sat on, as I watched my name glow across my T.V screen when I virtually graduated from Chaffey with honors obtaining an associate degree in Administration of Justice. My journey was just about to begin.
I recall the excitement 19-year-old me felt when she first stepped foot into her dorm at the University of California Irvine (UCI), with my purple suitcase in hand with many experiences yet to come. And of course, I remember the anxiety yet eagerness that sat in the pit of my stomach, as twenty-one-year-old me approached the podium on the graduation stage; Moments before I was going to deliver the commencement speech to all of my peers in the school of Social Ecology at UCI with my Bachelor's in Criminology, Law and Society alongside a minor in Creative Writing.
And still fresh in my heart, is the pride that beats out as I get to confidently say, that I am currently a Master's Candidate for American Journalism at New York University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (NYU GSAS).
It is an interesting feeling to look at where I am in my life, and how I got here to begin with. While many of you might find the transfer process rigorous and lengthy, know that you will reach your goal, whatever that may be. Time is a construct, and I urge you all to not allow the concept of it to shame you from this pathway or discourage you. The time will pass anyway, and you should use it doing what will help you grow. I recognize that some of you are feeling confused, perhaps stuck; but amplify the determination and resilience that sits inside of you.
It is important to have support and to know where to find it. Here at Chaffey College, I discovered invaluable resources tailored specifically for transfer students. Chaffey's Transfer Student Center is run by staff and faculty who are incredibly helpful. It is beneficial to schedule an appointment with them to discuss your transfer options and even attend some info sessions with select universities. From transfer workshops to one-on-one counseling sessions, the Transfer Center equipped me with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the transfer process successfully. This resource played a pivotal role in my academic career, providing guidance, support and a sense of community.
Applying to transfer is no easy feat. The California State University school application system is slightly easier to navigate, there is no personal statement required, though, it is optional. The applications are open from Oct. 1 through Nov. 30. However, speaking to the University of California (UC) School system, theirs run from Aug. 1 through Nov. 30. With them, you implement all of your information and fill out your personal statements. The summer before I applied, I learned about this program called the Transfer Alliance Program (TAP) which runs through the University of California Berkeley (Cal) and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). I did the program through Cal and I had a transfer admissions counselor who helped me navigate the process which did aid me tremendously.
There are a lot of resources concerning transferring to UC’s that are otherwise difficult to find. I applied to UC Irvine through a program called Transfer Admission Guarantee. The institutions that utilize this program include UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz. Essentially, this ensures that the student applying to transfer will be guaranteed admission to the selected university, so as long as the student maintains a minimum of a 3.4 G.P.A during their community college years alongside other requirements. This application runs from Sept. 1 through the 30th of the month.
Choosing which school is right for you can feel like a weight on your shoulders. During my own application process, I was admitted to six out of seven institutions in which I applied. Two of the accepted which were UC's, and the rest were CSU's. This made narrowing my choices down a bit difficult. It was integral to me that the institution I was going to attend had a well-rounded and defined criminal justice or criminology adjacent program. After reviewing that, the elimination process became easier. I found that touring the university grounds made my decision clearer. I instantly knew that UC Irvine was the place for me. I appreciated the sizing of the campus and how close it was to the beach, and it was also conveniently close to Los Angeles in case I wanted to immerse myself in it (which I often did).
Once I transferred to UCI, the process of starting at their institution began almost immediately. Upon accepting the admissions offer from them, I had to pay a 250-dollar deposit called a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR). This was due by June 1.
The first month of summer you will receive information regarding housing options and opportunities. I will be honest, this is probably the most stressful part of navigating the early transition process. Depending on the institution, there may be a shortage of housing. I do recommend reaching out to the housing offices to express concerns. Make sure you read the fine print when accepting a housing offer! I lived in a dorm during my first year as a transfer within a community-based housing option. This house was called “Casa Cesar Chavez” and was primarily for Latine identifying students (which was a great way to find my community!) In my second year, I had an on-campus apartment where I had my own bedroom with a shared bathroom. Options are abundant, just explore what best accommodates you.
You might be thinking, well what about the social aspect? I hear you! It is extremely intimidating arriving on campus as a transfer student where you might feel like most people have already established their friend groups. When I first moved in, I had prior interactions (though minimal) with my roommate. Immediately, we connected. Despite coming from different cities in Southern California, we realized that we had similar experiences. And to this day she is still my very best friend.
While you can find friendship within your roommate, you should not worry if you do not connect with them either. Remember, friendship can be found in the most unlikely of places! On our second day there, we rode the university bus to campus. As we waited, we had another student approach us, he complimented our outfits and from that moment, a conversation sprouted. We became good friends and I still reflect fondly on our first interaction. I quickly learned that overcoming social barriers is a gradual process, one that requires patience, openness, and a willingness to step outside of one's comfort zone.
Getting involved is not only a good way to curate community and find friends but is also a useful way to build your resume. Building your resume as an undergraduate student can benefit future you when navigating post-grad life and finding a job. Join clubs and organizations that not only pertain to your major but ensure that you also fulfill your desires and passions! I was heavily involved in my undergrad with on and off-campus groups. Some of the memories I hold close to me come from a program where I served as a mentor to elementary-grade students in an underserved community. Discover the opportunities that surround the campus you are in. And make sure to relish in any programs that might be of aid to you during your time such as the Disability Services Centers, Dining Hall, LGBQT+ Resource Centers, Care Centers Transfer Student Centers (they exist at the 4-year level too to continue helping you). Each institution should have a variant of the above.
Personally, speaking of the most significant challenge I faced was adjusting to the rigorous academic environment at UC Irvine. I developed imposter syndrome not soon after transferring. The transition from a smaller campus to a larger, research-focused institution required me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new academic challenges. However, the foundation I built at Chaffey College prepared me well for this transition, instilling in me the confidence to tackle advanced coursework and excel in my studies.
With respect to imposter syndrome, I say it can be inevitable. As a first-generation Latina student who came from a low-income community, I felt like a fish out of water. But I learned that through building my community of friendship and supportive professors and faculty, I could overcome this. I want you all to know that it is okay if you feel imposter syndrome. If you feel like there is not a seat for you at the table, grab a chair and make your own table. You’re capable.
And certainly, I relayed all of these tips and tricks I gathered when applying to my master’s program in American Journalism at NYU. I take with me my identities of being a transfer student, someone who did not take the traditional route, and stand tall amongst my peers here.
In retrospect, my journey from Chaffey College to UC Irvine to now NYU GSAS was not without its challenges, but it was ultimately a transformative experience that enriched my academic and personal growth. I can attest to the notion that I am proud of who I stand as today. Through the support of Chaffey College's transfer resources and my willingness to embrace new opportunities, I was able to thrive in a rigorous academic environment at UC Irvine while forging meaningful connections with my peers.
To fellow transfer students embarking on a similar path, as a 22-year-old student who still has the world at her fingertips, I offer this to you all: welcome the challenges with open arms and determination, never underestimate the power of community, and mine the resilience that is inside of you. Whether you discover it through academic resources, dorm life, extracurricular involvement or general life experiences, there are countless opportunities to thrive and succeed at Chaffey College and beyond. And remember, this time is fleeting, so cherish every moment that you can.