Triton Transfers: Many Paths, One Community

D.J. Frick is a fourth-year Interdisciplinary Computing and the Arts (ICAM) Music major in Sixth College from Palm Springs, Calif.

My journey to UC San Diego has truly shaped who I am.

My childhood was marked by significant instability and was often turbulent and violent. As a result, I spent much of my formative high school years as a foster youth and eventually dropped out.

After a decade developing my career as a chef, the restaurant where I worked closed. I saw this as an opportunity to change directions and return to school. I earned my GED and then enrolled in the commercial music program at San Diego City College. That experience solidified my passion for the field and led me to focus specifically on transferring to UC San Diego for the ICAM-Music program in the School of Arts and Humanities, which I was drawn to for its unique approach to music and technology.

My decision to choose UC San Diego was primarily driven by the reputation of the computer music and music technology programs and their histories. I was attracted by the prestige of the faculty associated with this department and the amazing things that have come from it. Additionally, the university's proximity and connection to my community college made it the ideal next step in my academic journey.

Currently, I work as a facilities and operations assistant in the Director's Office at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which has been an absolutely fantastic and unique experience. I am an active member of the International Computer Music Association, a slightly less active member of the Audio Engineering Society, and, in my first year, was involved with the Non-Traditional Student Association. I was also a McNair Scholar, which allowed me to conduct two quarters and a summer of intensive undergraduate research.

Being a millennial undergraduate definitely comes with its own unique challenges; at first, I viewed it as a barrier. However, as time goes on, I find being an “unc” undergraduate is actually an advantage.

Coming in as a transfer can sometimes make you feel like an outsider. Taking advantage of the resources and programs available helped assimilate me into the college culture as much as they helped me succeed. Don't sleep on this. Also, explore campus; this place is huge and has so many unique and awesome places to see.

David Hoang, a fourth-year International Studies - International Business major in Marshall College, is from San Jose, Calif.

As a first-generation student from a low-income immigrant family, I wanted to be in an environment that challenged me academically but also supported my personal growth.

My path to UC San Diego started at UC Riverside, where I spent my first two years before transferring. I was drawn to UC San Diego because of its strong international business program and the opportunities to explore global issues from economic and policy perspectives.

Since coming to UC San Diego, I’ve become highly involved on campus and I participate in several programs that connect to my academic and professional interests. On campus, I work at the Export Control Office, where I help review international research compliance and support adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) regulations. I am part of the LEAP Emerge Fellowship, a leadership and professional development program that supports AAPI students. I was also a part of the inaugural cohort of the Future Innovators Global Internship Program, a fully funded opportunity to work abroad in cities like London, Berlin, Singapore or Cape Town. I went to London, where I gained hands-on experience in policy research and economic development. I absolutely loved the culture and the people I met there. Even after my internship ended, I backpacked around Europe, which made the whole experience even more unforgettable.

Transferring to UC San Diego gave me access to research, study abroad and professional experiences. It offers so many opportunities to grow, both academically and professionally, and I really liked the location. Being near the beach makes it easy to take a break and enjoy the outdoors, and San Diego has so many great places to eat and things to do. It’s just the right balance between a strong university environment and a place I genuinely enjoy living.

My advice for new transfer students is to apply to every opportunity that comes your way, even if you’re unsure about it. Programs and scholarships can really shape your UC San Diego experience.

Jo Jo Lee is a Triton CORE Clinician. A member of UC San Diego’s Class of 2010 originally from Hong Kong, she was a Psychology major in Muir College.

As an immigrant, first-generation and a transfer student, my journey to UC San Diego was filled with both excitement and uncertainty.

I chose to attend UC San Diego from a community college in Los Angeles because it offered a program that truly aligned with my interests. I was excited about the opportunity to explore human behavior through the lens of both psychology and cognitive science. The interdisciplinary focus really resonated with my curiosity about how people think, feel and connect.

I was also drawn to UC San Diego's unique college system, which made such a large university feel more personal and community-oriented. Being placed in Muir College felt special! It reminded me of being "sorted" at Hogwarts, but in a way that reflected my own values of independence, growth and authenticity.

When I first arrived at UC San Diego, I often felt anxious and lost, unsure of how to navigate such a large and complex system on my own. It was challenging to find a sense of belonging at first, and I remember questioning whether I truly belonged here. Imposter syndrome was real, especially as I transitioned from the slower pace of the semester system at my community college to UC San Diego’s fast-paced quarter system.

Over time, however, these challenges prompted me to grow, seek out community and acknowledge my own resilience in adapting to new environments. Looking back, choosing UC San Diego was more than just an academic decision; it was a significant step toward discovering my own voice and sense of belonging.

I’d tell new transfer students to reach out, reach OUT, REACH OUT! There are numerous excellent resources and opportunities available at UC San Diego, but they can definitely feel overwhelming at first. I suggest taking it slow during your first quarter. Consider starting with a lighter class load and getting to know the campus and community. Go to events, talk to people and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. You’ll be surprised by how many others are feeling the same way or have gone through similar challenges.

Finding your sense of belonging really makes a difference. When you feel comfortable enough to ask for help, and eventually to offer assistance, you’ll find yourself more connected, confident and genuinely enjoying your UC San Diego experience.