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Dear Future Bruins…

Congratulations on your acceptance to UCLA! My name is Daniel Sagrero (he/him), and I’m a first-year transfer student from Irvine Valley College majoring in Chicana/o Studies and minoring in Education Studies.

My first experience at UCLA began with the Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP), where I attended the 2024 Chicanx/Latinx Summer Intensive Transfer Experience (SITE LITE). When I was dropped off at the UCLA flagpole, it was my first time on campus. I was immediately surrounded by Haines Hall, Kaplan Hall, Royce Hall, and Powell Library, places I had only ever seen on a screen.

As cliché as it may sound, I instantly felt that UCLA was where I belonged. That feeling only grew stronger throughout the day as I learned about the transfer process, connected with peer advisors, and heard from speakers who shared their own journeys. After the program, I explored campus on my own and realized that transferring to UCLA was not just a distant goal, but something I could truly achieve.

Fast forward to April 25, 2025, I was admitted to UCLA. Before committing, I attended Transfer Bruin Day, which confirmed that UCLA was where I wanted to be.

My transition began through the Academic Advancement Program (AAP) Transfer Summer Program. Moving in early was an adjustment, and when my family left, I questioned whether I would find my community. Through summer classes, Peer Learning Facilitator sessions, and campus resources, I began to adjust academically and socially. More importantly, I met people who became my closest friends.

Wanting to stay involved, I became a True Bruin Ambassador, where I welcomed prospective students and families while strengthening my own sense of belonging. I also volunteered with CCCP, which gave me a full-circle moment. I reconnected with my community college’s Puente Program at the SoCal Puente Motivational Conference and shared encouragement with new students, reminding me how far I had come. Living in the Transfer Experience Living Learning Community in De Neve Holly has also been meaningful. Being surrounded by other transfer students who understand this transition has created a strong support system.

Day-to-day life at UCLA has been an adjustment, especially balancing coursework and involvement. At times it feels overwhelming, but I’ve learned to use office hours, connect with classmates, and rely on campus resources. Over time, UCLA has started to feel like home.

Now, as I train to be a UCLA New Student Advisor, I look forward to supporting incoming first-year and transfer students alike through their transition. If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to find your community. Whether through housing, classes, or organizations, finding your people will make your experience more meaningful.

Overall, my experience as a transfer student at UCLA has shaped my goals of pursuing a career in educational counseling and higher education. More importantly, it has shown me that I belong in spaces I once thought were out of reach.