Student Voices – Muir College

Read Aleli's account of her experiences as a member of Muir College.

Note: In addition to reading Aleli's description of student life in Muir College, you can also link to other Student Voices to learn about the rest of UCSD's Six Colleges.

I love the outdoors. I'm a thrill-seeker. I just went skydiving with four other transfer students. I belong to the UCSD skydiving club. And how could you move to San Diego and not learn to surf? I heard UCSD's ranked the #1 surfing school in the country. I bought an absolutely beautiful custom-made board and learned in a recreation class here. Now I'm in the Surf Club.

"UCSD's prestigious"

I'm from Marina Del Rey. I came to UCSD from Santa Monica Community College. I like the location. It's not too far from home. UCSD's such a prestigious school. You know you'll get a good education. I visited the campus on Transfer Admit Day.

I'm very happy here, and the campus is beautiful. Academically, UCSD wasn't too much of a shock, except for the mid-term thing. What they call a mid-term turns into a full-term thing! You blink and it's finals.

"I'm an activist"

My major is Sociology. I'm a bit of an activist for human rights and the environment. Sociology teaches us how to better society because you understand it more. I love how you can apply the material we learn to your life.

I'm thinking of staying another quarter and graduating in December. I've been accepted in the UCDC internship program (in Washington, D.C.), and I'm very excited. Hopefully I'll be working with the EPA for environmental awareness.

Professors are "amazing"

I really enjoy the professors here. They're competent, amazing, and friendly. Go to their office hours and explain that you're a transfer and ask how you can make the most of your college experience. Get to know them as soon as you can. You'll need their letters of recommendation if you have an application due, like to UCDC. They're so excited when you walk in, like "Ah-h-h, you came to my class today!"

Pave your own path

I chose John Muir College because John Muir was a big environmentalist. I'm all about Muir's motto, "Pave your own path." I also asked friends, and they said, "Do Muir, do Muir!" Muir has a great social network. I'm a member of the Tribe of Muir Transfers. It helps us to know each other. I'm having so much fun.

I was an Orientation Leader for transfers last summer. It was so great. I didn't believe you could bond with each other and incoming students so easily.

"I love San Diego"

I love San Diego. It's such a laid-back city. And there's downtown when you need that "city" feel. I'm a nightlife person, and I like to go dancing. And the beaches are ridiculously great. You can always find me at the beach or just watching the ocean from the cliffs. And we're so close to La Jolla, which really is the "jewel" of San Diego.

Campus resources

OASIS (tutoring service) was awesome helping me with my writing. Career Services has been my second home for internships and the UCDC program. And Alumni Services gave me alumni to contact for a research project on paternity leave. I'm the co-chair for Programming for Alumni's Life 101 transition program for undergrads getting out of college. Alumni speakers answer questions about life after you graduate.

Environmental policy

I'll probably work for a couple of years in the environmental policy industry and then go to grad school. For instance, there are companies that help minority groups to not have incinerators in the home. And organizations that protest to keep industry out of low-income neighborhoods and polluting their water.

Plan your day

I have to plan out my day - the activities, my classes, lunch and even when I'm going to rest. I have post-its all over my house. My car's so messy, because it's like my second closet. I keep clothes in it for every occasion - surfing, workout, beach, interviews.

"A place to grow"

The opportunities you get here aren't just from the classroom. The other half is social. You have to make that effort. You end up meeting your friends through the student clubs. UCSD has really provided me a place to grow.

Back to top