Transfer Student Spotlight

Milton Rivera

What brought you to �ѿ�� Bay?

Other than the view of the bay from the campus, what brought me here was how the commute wasn’t too far from home and I could get a great education that is worth every penny.

What are you involved in on campus (IE: Clubs, student organizations etc.)? How have they contributed to your personal and professional growth?

A group I’m involved with is CSUEB’s Asian and Pacific Islander community, and they’ve helped me both personally and professionally by inspiring me to keep pushing toward my goal of graduating and earning my degree. It might sound simple to others, but transferring from Chabot meant stepping into the unknown for me and felt like I had to start over again after a long journey that was roller coaster of ups and downs, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But thanks to my toko Pili encouraging me to join the group, and the support from my advisor I’m more determined than ever to reach my goal.

What advice can you give someone transferring to �ѿ�� Bay?

Keep faith that there is a plan for you so don’t feel the need to be rush. You’ve accomplished a lot already to get to this point just enjoy the journey and make as many memories and experiences that you can before it’s all over. Don’t let any mistakes or bad grade define your future learn from it, grow from it, and keep going.

Trinity Marshall

What brought you to �ѿ�� Bay?

What brought me to �ѿ�� Bay was the location being so near to me and, lots of other cities! And, additionally what they could offer for my major. �ѿ�� Bay has so many opportunities for business majors and so many events to try to elevate you and helping you get your foot in the door. Theres so many workshops, internships, pathways, and job fairs that are offered here for business majors especially for marketing!

What are you involved in on campus (IE: Clubs, student organizations etc.)? How have they contributed to your personal and professional growth?

I work with SLIC on the second floor of the South Union! When I transferred over from LMC to CSUEB, I initially knew no one and, it was like I was starting all over again. But, through working with SLIC I've gotten to meet so many people and, gained many friends that helped me adjust to being here. Additionally, working here has helped me professionally by helping me gain skills that will be a great addition to my career in business marketing!

What advice can you give someone transferring to �ѿ�� Bay?

I would tell someone else in my shoes to take advantage of every career event here on campus! you never know if you might find your calling in a different field and, even what people you might meet! I would also say to keep your head up and ask for help while you're here. I know it can be really nerve-wracking to be in a whole new school and, feel like your progress is restarting but, it does get better!

Casey Pangilinan

What brought you to �ѿ�� Bay?

My journey to �ѿ�� Bay honestly felt meant to be. During my transfer process, I originally only applied to UCs and even accepted my offer to UC Berkeley. Because of cost and logistics, my offer was rescinded after I delayed paying the enrollment fee. Midway through what was supposed to be my first semester at Berkeley in Fall 2024, I decided to apply again, this time looking at CSUs. When I opened the application portals hoping to start in Spring 2025, every single campus was closed except East Bay. Out of all 23 CSU campuses, only one was still open. That felt like more than coincidence. I didn’t expect to stay close to home for the second half of my college career, but choosing East Bay has been one of the biggest blessings. Everything I’ve experienced here has shaped me in ways I never anticipated, and I’m genuinely so grateful it worked out the way it did.

What are you involved in on campus (IE: Clubs, student organizations etc.)? How have they contributed to your personal and professional growth?

Although I was actively involved at Ohlone College, working in both the Basic Needs Resource Center and Student Life Department and serving as a Senator and Director for Associated Students of Ohlone College, I do not think I fully stepped into my leadership style until I came to East Bay. Being surrounded by genuinely welcoming departments and programs that prioritized self-development and exploration pushed me in the best way possible. I stepped into spaces that felt new and unfamiliar, but in an exciting, growth-filled way. I began hosting my own workshops, communicating directly with higher administration, and serving as a bridge between students and decision-makers.

Through my roles as the Student Leadership Involvement Center’s Leadership Initiatives Lead, ASI Senator for the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, Vice President of the Society for Collegiate Leadership and Achievement, Alpha Phi’s Panhellenic Delegate, and Orientation Leader in training, I was able to experiment with my voice and define what leadership actually means to me. East Bay gave me the space to try, to fail, to speak up, to listen better and to build community intentionally. I learned am still exploring my goal: how I want to show up for people. That is something I will carry with me far beyond this campus.

What advice can you give someone transferring to �ѿ�� Bay?

Say yes! Look around. Try things. Go to that random meeting, apply for the position, introduce yourself.

You do not need to have your whole life planned out. Sometimes the right path finds you when you are brave enough to just step into the room.

Timon Nguyen

What brought you to �ѿ�� Bay?

I came to East Bay because it was local and I'm already familiar with Hayward because of Chabot College.

What are you involved in on campus (IE: Clubs, student organizations etc.)? How have they contributed to your personal and professional growth?

I am apart of Alpha Kappa Omega Fraternity. Joining a fraternity deficiently developed my character. My confidence as a person grew and I learned how to be a leader in my own way. It also gave me a community granted me opportunities that I never thought I'd get. I also work on campus at the Student Leadership and Involvement Center. SLIC allowed me to grow on a professional level, expanding my social and assistive skills.

What advice can you give someone transferring to �ѿ�� Bay?

Strive to be a newer and better person. Transferring is your chance to start over and build your character from the ground up. Make the most of college before it's over and take initiative.