Summary
In this article, you will gain insights from Albin Lee's transformative journey from Mission College to UCLA. Learn how community college helped him rediscover his goals and ultimately transfer to a prestigious university. Albin shares valuable perspectives on overcoming the stigma of community colleges, navigating the transfer process, and thriving in a competitive academic environment. Discover the importance of ambition, networking, and resourcefulness in achieving success at UCLA and beyond.
Discovering the Path: From Community College to UCLA
Key Takeaways: Albin highlights that community colleges offer a valuable opportunity for students to rediscover their goals and passions, breaking the stigma that they are only for those without other options, and ultimately leading to successful transfers to top universities like UCLA.
Feiyang: So let's start with your transfer process. You went to Mission College. Were you always focused on transferring to UCLA, or were there other options?
Albin: Yeah, there's a big stigma about transferring, though it's better now. At the time, many thought community colleges were for students who had no other options. But it's really a place for people to rediscover themselves and reevaluate their goals.
Initially, like any other Asian household, I wanted to pursue a career in medicine or law. But I hesitated when applying for undergrad and a friend suggested community college. It was a second chance, and after 2-3 years, they don't consider your high school academic journey. So all those AP classes and honors didn't apply when transferring but helped me get ahead at the community college level.
At community college, you need to complete your general education and required classes. I always felt like I wanted to go to a UC. I applied to UCLA, UC Davis, and UC Irvine. I worked hard, found a passion in psychology, and after two years, applied and got into all three schools. I chose UCLA because people said it was great, and I didn't visit any campuses. It was pure intuition, and I met you there.
F: Yeah, I love how you address the stigma about community colleges. Growing up in Asian American households, the talk is to go straight to a four-year university for success. But there are many paths, and a four-year university, community college, or even a gap year are just different ways to explore and learn about yourself. Looking back, I might have benefited from taking a gap year or going to community college. I don't think I was ready to focus and commit in my freshman year.
A: And if I can add, I work at a community college now. I work at Skyline College in the Bay Area as a retention specialist for first-gen, first-time college students. Community colleges in California provide so much financial support, throwing money at you to attend. This is great for saving money in those two years and avoiding large loans when you transfer to a four-year university, which can be quite expensive. It's definitely something to consider.
F: Yeah, for sure. And to tack onto that, I'm in the last month of my master’s program in higher education policy & practice. One of the things we discussed is that in the next 10 years, tuition for some private schools will be over six figures for one year. So the ROI of community college or similar options is a great consideration in terms of cost savings and what you're looking to get out of your education.
The UCLA Experience: From Starstruck to Settled
Key Takeaway: Albin's initial experience as a transfer student at UCLA was both overwhelming and awe-inspiring, highlighting the university's prestigious reputation, welcoming atmosphere, and the pride that comes with being part of such a highly regarded institution.
F: So, I'd love to talk a little bit about your initial impression of coming to UCLA. As a freshman, I remember being starstruck and feeling overwhelmed. What was your experience like as a third-year transfer? You probably had different goals compared to the average freshman applicant. Can you talk a little about that?
A: Yeah, coming into UCLA was overwhelming. It's UCLA, probably the top public school in California.
F: Just don't ask Berkeley.
A: Yeah, we'll agree to disagree with Berkeley. But honestly, I was very starstruck. The campus is pristine, well-kept, with friendly people and a diverse environment. If you're accepted, you're amazing. Kudos to anyone who got admitted this year or is planning to enroll. I also served as an academic advisor for a summer program, so I experienced it both as a student and as someone welcoming new students. I take great pride in attending UCLA because LA is really nice.
F: Absolutely. For those watching or reading, UCLA is the number one most applied school in the country with 140,000 applications every year, and only about 11,000 are admitted. Kudos to anyone who got admitted.
Thriving at UCLA: What It Takes
Key Takeaway: Albin describes the ideal UCLA student as ambitious, hardworking, and adaptable, emphasizing the importance of bringing high school ambition into UCLA, embracing the diverse and highly capable student body, and utilizing college as a crucial period for personal growth and independence.
F: Albin, you talked about your role as NSA, and I was looking forward to asking about your exposure to greeting new students at orientation. How would you describe the ideal UCLA student? If you had to imagine being at orientation and seeing a group of students, what qualities or phrases come to mind for someone who would thrive at UCLA?
A: Sure. I think the ideal student for UCLA needs to be ambitious. If you weren't already ambitious in high school to get into UCLA, you need to be now. Not to overwhelm people, but there are a lot of really smart people at UCLA. Everyone worked hard to get here. The students coming in are diverse, from California, out of state, and international, each with key strengths. You need to carry that ambition from high school into UCLA to hit the ground running. Even as a third-year transfer, I noticed everyone is going for it. There's no time to breathe, but don't be scared. Everyone is studious and social. UCLA attracts well-rounded individuals, and college is the peak time to develop as an individual. You might change your major, goals, or career path, even your style. This is the first time for many to be away from parents, so you start to build your independence during these years.
Networking and Resourcefulness: Keys to Success
Key Takeaway: Albin highlights the critical importance of networking and resourcefulness at UCLA, emphasizing that building connections with peers, professors, and professionals is essential, and actively seeking out and engaging in diverse opportunities is key to making the most of the college experience beyond just earning a degree.
A: I can't emphasize enough the ability to network. We might all be socially awkward coming in, and that's okay. You're not the only one thinking that. As working professionals, we've learned it's not just what you know but who you know. Utilize UCLA's environment to build your network with other students, professors, and professionals. Networking is valuable.
Another important trait is being resourceful. You have to seek out opportunities. They're all there, but with so much available, you'll spend time figuring out what you want to be a part of. You might make mistakes and try things you don't like, but that's okay. Those are valuable experiences. You can't just come to study, get your degree, and leave. That only gets you so far.
Navigating Challenges: Personal Growth and Resilience
Key Takeaway: Albin’s gradual involvement in higher education, particularly through mentoring roles in UCLA's Summer Program, underscores the transformative power of supporting new students academically and emotionally, highlighting the critical role of mentorship and community in navigating college challenges and fostering personal growth and resilience.
F: Let's change gears a bit. I know you're huge on giving back and have been involved in higher ed for a while, including your time at UCLA with NSA. Was there a formative moment that made you want to be involved in higher education, or was it more of a gradual thing?
A: It was more of a gradual thing. In hindsight, it started with my experience working at UCLA's Summer Program. It provided support for incoming transfers and first-time freshmen. I had an amazing experience there, both as a student and a student worker, learning from a great team. This was the only year I lived on campus, as third-year transfers usually live off-campus. The opportunity to mentor incoming students, who were often scared and uncertain about their journey, really solidified my passion for higher ed. We helped them academically and socially, as many came to us for social and emotional reasons. College can be overwhelming, and having that support system is crucial. The Summer Program at UCLA was very rewarding in that regard.
Final Advice: Embrace Challenges and Create Opportunities
Key Takeaway: Albin emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges and hardships at UCLA, as they build resilience, adaptability, and creativity. He encourages new students to welcome these opportunities for growth and to create their own paths if existing ones don’t align, utilizing UCLA’s abundant resources to innovate and thrive.
F: One more question before we wrap up. What's your best piece of advice for incoming freshmen or transfers joining UCLA this fall?
A: Going to UCLA taught me that you need to welcome hardships and challenges. These are the moments that shape how you go forward, change your career goals, your major, or how you think. Don't expect UCLA to be a smooth process with no challenges. I tell the students I work with that those challenges help you become stronger, more resilient.
F: I second that so much. Early on at UCLA, I felt like encountering challenges meant something was wrong with me or the situation. I used to think changing my major or a class would fix things. But the real change needed was within me. College teaches you resilience, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset. It's about figuring out what you're getting your degree for, which can be exciting and terrifying.
A: If you can't find what you're looking for, then create it. UCLA, or just college in general, is a great place to cultivate different ideas. You might be the one to start a new club or role. Welcome those opportunities and the creativity that comes with them. UCLA has an abundance of resources to make that happen.
F: That's a beautiful note to end on. If people have questions about the transfer route or UCLA in general, can they reach out to you?
A: Of course. Feel free to contact me. You can probably find me on LinkedIn. My name is Albin Lee. Feel free to reach out and network, and we can continue the conversation there.
F: Thank you so much for taking the time. It's been like a trip down memory lane. I really appreciate your vulnerability and sharing your insights over the years. You've been a great mentor to me, and I'm stoked to share that knowledge and those experiences more broadly now.
A: Thank you for having me. It was definitely a throwback being able to reminisce about our experiences.
Conclusion
Albin's journey from community college to UCLA demonstrates the value of exploring non-traditional paths to higher education. His story highlights the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and networking in navigating college life and achieving long-term success. By embracing challenges and leveraging opportunities, Albin found his passion and thrived in a competitive environment. His insights remind us that authenticity and personal growth are key to a fulfilling college experience. For those embarking on their college admissions journey, Albin's experiences offer valuable lessons in perseverance and self-discovery, encouraging students to stay true to themselves and seize every opportunity for growth.