Transferring to university was one of the most exciting times in my life. I never thought transferring to university was an option for me. I had no idea how I could financially pull it off. This fear and ignorance of the opportunities out there lead me to stay full time at MCC for 7 years. When I finally did transfer, each month went by and somehow rent was paid, I had food in the fridge and gas in the tank. If I had any advice to give to those preparing to apply to transfer: look up UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan.
If you qualify for FAFSA, you can go to a UC without paying tuition and still receive your quarterly FAFSA disbursement. You can also apply for CalFresh benefits (it’s amazing). Apply for grants, they usually just sit there because no one else applies for them. You’ll be given free healthcare. Also use the resources they offer while you can. The campus gym, the career center, and career workshops have seen a lot of me. You can absolutely make it happen and student debt isn’t the only option. It just takes some research and a little sacrifice. If I could do it, you can too.
If you qualify for FAFSA, you can go to a UC without paying tuition and still receive your quarterly FAFSA disbursement. You can also apply for CalFresh benefits (it’s amazing). Apply for grants, they usually just sit there because no one else applies for them. You’ll be given free healthcare. Also use the resources they offer while you can. The campus gym, the career center, and career workshops have seen a lot of me. You can absolutely make it happen and student debt isn’t the only option. It just takes some research and a little sacrifice. If I could do it, you can too.
-Emily Gray
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OFFICE EMILY.mp4 from Emily Gray on Vimeo.
CLOUDY from Emily Gray on Vimeo.