Student Success Stories
Husna Adan
International Studies major, Nutrition minor
Husna Adan is a senior majoring in International Studies with a Global Health emphasis and minoring in Nutrition. She is passionate about dedicating her life's work to others. One of Husna's dreams is to travel to and help the East African community where her family originated.
"At that time I was very lost and didn't know what I was doing, especially being the first female in my family to attend college. I was just clueless about how the university works, so I was very interested in what she had to offer." Since their initial meeting, her student success coach has helped Husna improve her stress management and goal setting skills. Husna explains, "This University is really big and can sometimes feel isolating. Working with my student success coach has helped me navigate the university and find the different resources the campus has to offer."
Husna is on schedule to graduate. Her advice to other students is, "The most important thing is to find something you're passionate about and do that; it's a lot easier doing something you love!"
Maxwell Ayeliya
Accounting major
Maxwell Ayeliya is a junior studying accounting who's passionate about business and he's originally from Ghana. Maxwell found his way to Student Success Coaches by visiting the website. After reading the SSC bios, he decided that a particular coach would be the best fit for him and made an appointment.
Maxwell explains that his student success coach has helped him improve his academic performance, find and apply for multiple scholarships, and feel more connected to campus. He tells of how she urged him to step out of his comfort zone and reach out to his professors. Although Maxwell was nervous at first, when he talked to his professors he found that they were very welcoming. In fact, as his fear of approaching his professors decreased, his grades increased! When asked what he has learned about himself, he said, "I have learned that I don't have to be shy. If you want to present yourself to the world, you have to be open. You have to have confidence in yourself."
Maxwell's advice is, "Everyone is happy to help, but students need to reach out and take advantage—we shouldn't be scared."
Zoe Brown
Quantitative Analysis of Markets and Organizations
Zoe Brown, a graduating fifth year, majored in Quantitative Analysis of Markets and Organizations. Starting college in 2020, she had a rough start, as the dorms had restrictions against interacting with other students, and the clubs she was involved in held virtual meetings. The loss of structure in her classes and her daily routine proposed obstacles, but with the help from her Student Success Coach, Amanda, she learned how to properly navigate the challenges she faced. From the weekly meetings with her SSC, Zoe got help with being held accountable for turning in her assignments on time and connecting with various campus resources. Through the accountability in her coaching appointments, she gained the ability to set goals, and learned how to stay accountable for fulfilling them. Through coaching, Zoe learned the importance of being open and authentic with people who are there to support you as well as the value of reaching out for help and asking for accommodations.
When asked what advice she would give to students contemplating booking an appointment, she exclaimed, “Bite the bullet and do it, and if you think it’s something that would benefit you, then it probably is, and you should utilize that resource.”
Kaden Colton
Environmental and Sustainability Studies major, Atmospheric Science minor
Kaden Colton is a senior majoring in Environmental and Sustainability Studies with a minor in Atmospheric Science. He always knew he wanted to pursue a science major and was intrigued by the issue of sustainability.
Kaden met Student Success Coach Jon at a resources event in the Union. Working with Jon helped Kaden connect with campus resources he didn't know existed, including the Office of Undergraduate Research. Kaden gained research experience during a summer internship in New Zealand and has since worked with two professors studying how weather impacts the size and spread of a fire. Kaden plans to present his research at a national conference and publish it in an academic journal. Kaden is passionate about doing fire research and he points to Jon’s support as instrumental in helping him find research opportunities and acquire funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).
After graduation, Kaden plans to apply for graduate programs, and he has worked with Jon to craft his application materials. Kaden offers this advice to students: "I would definitely recommend that more people get into contact with [SSCs] because they know a bunch of resources on campus that can help students succeed."
Arielle DeJesus
Metallurgical Engineering major
Arielle DeJesus is a freshman studying Metallurgical Engineering. She chose this field because she was interested in something that combined her favorite subjects: math and science. Her connection with a Student Success Coach has been, like many, through a simple conversation about her goals.
Last fall, Arielle began her first semester at the U with 16 credits. She felt overwhelmed with managing her time and getting accustomed to the University. With the help of her Student Success Coach, Bryce, and her commitment to do better in school, she managed to organize her time better, become more involved in opportunities of interest, and raise her GPA.
Through this experience, Arielle has learned that, although the University can be overwhelming and intimidating, there are unlimited resources and opportunities that welcome you to campus and enhance your college experience.
Working with a Student Success Coach has helped Arielle to feel more confident and open to opportunities. In her words, "I wouldn't have found the resources I've found if it wasn't for Bryce." She recommends that students proactively seek out someone that wants you to succeed and take advantage of the plentiful opportunities available to students.
Sarah Dupaix
International Studies major, French minor
Sarah Dupaix is a non-traditional transfer student studying International Studies major with a French minor. Sarah spent six weeks in France fulfilling the Study Abroad requirement for her major.
Thankfully, Sarah met a Student Success Coach at transfer orientation. "I always do everything by myself," she remembers, "but I realized I was out of my depth and told myself it couldn't hurt. At our first meeting, I asked a million questions, and she provided answers or told me where to go for each."
"Before coming to the U," she explains, "I was afraid to do anything. I had a lot of fear and I just couldn't talk to anyone. I was lucky that I met my SSC ... because she ended up being that one person in my corner. The thing that has really allowed me to embrace not being a hermit was working with my SSC — I felt like I was part of something and doing something that connected me to college life."
She admits that campus resources and her SSC have been instrumental in her ability to complete her degree. And to non-traditional students, Sarah is adamant, "You can still come back to school; there’s always that possibility—it's... never too late!"
Chaise Edebiri
Sociology major with Criminology emphasis
Chaise Edebiri is a junior majoring in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology. It's a good choice for her because she enjoys learning about large systems that influence an individual’s everyday life. Initially, Chaise was on a path to a career in law. Then she realized a career in higher education was an option. Chaise considers herself a life-long learner and when she discovered the world of student affairs knew it would be a perfect fit with her strengths and passions.
Chaise met Student Success Coach, Wazir, at an HRE Social Justice event. As someone who is passionate about a variety of things, Chaise struggled with finding a balance. "Wazir helps me evaluate things and determine what I may need in the long run and what things I can sacrifice," she explains. "He gives me an outside perspective on things that I really care about which has helped me keep my sanity and not try to do it all at once."
"Students should meet with an SSC because they genuinely root for you, no matter what stage of your journey you are in. They 'meet you where you are at': physically, mentally, and emotionally."
Ashkan Fakhri Tabatabaie
Music Composition
Ashkan Fakhrtabatabaie is studying Music Composition. He has a passion for music and spends most of his time composing music and studying or teaching music theory and technology. Ashkan has been able to thrive as a composer in part by utilizing his background in engineering. He enjoys thinking in an interdisciplinary way, making connections, creating bridges between realms.
Ashkan describes having grown immensely from his work with professors here at the U. In fact, it was one of his professors in the School of Music who advised him to reach out to Student Success Coach, Lisa, for help looking for a summer job utilizing his expertise in music composition.
Once Lisa understood Ashkan's interest, she and a colleague in the Union Administrative Office began brainstorming possible job opportunities with the Union over the summer. It turned out that the Union needed the services of a multi-media producer and hired Ashkan to compile digital images and make music for videos. In his words, "Most of the time in art school, projects are just for the sake of art, but this job required me to apply my skills and talent to a real-life project."
Hillary Finch
International Studies and Health Promotion and Education majors
Hillary Finch is a senior who will graduate this spring with a double major in International Studies and Health Promotion and Education. Hillary has always been interested in health, initially majoring in Biology. Her ultimate goal is to become a Physician Assistant. During her sophomore year, Hillary participated in the Semester at Sea program, traveling to 14 different countries. Among her favorites were Portugal, South Africa, Brazil, and Ghana. Studying abroad sparked Hillary's interest in International Studies and led her to her current majors. The semester she returned from her study abroad, Hillary met Student Success Coach, Christine. They made an immediate connection. Christine has supported Hillary with useful resources, advice, and in goal setting.
She admits, "Christine has been my motivator. She reassured me that the things I've done are positive and not just resume builders." Hillary has learned to be more confident and that "everybody has strengths that they may not realize. Christine helped me find those strengths within me and use them to my advantage." Working with Christine has also helped Hillary feel more connected to the university. "It changed what I'd seen or experienced previously."
Sabrina Funk
Psychology
Sabrina Funk, a freshman at the University of Utah, is potentially majoring in psychology and has found the on-campus community welcoming. “Everyone here is so inclusive and just really friendly,” she shared. Navigating coursework with multiple learning disabilities presented unique challenges, but connecting with a Student Success Coach early on made a transformative difference in her experience. “I wanted to get my foot in before things got overwhelming,” she said. Through regular sessions with her coach, Loretta, Sabrina found the support she needed to thrive. Loretta helped her break down complex assignments into manageable steps, created personalized strategies to stay organized, and provided follow-up notes reinforcing each session's goals. This ongoing guidance turned what once felt overwhelming into a clear, step-by-step process. Beyond academics, coaching helped Sabrina build confidence in her ability to manage time, communicate with instructors, and stay accountable to her goals. As her classes became more demanding, she felt equipped to meet challenges head-on rather than feeling lost or discouraged. Having a coach who understood the university landscape and could connect her with additional resources led to a feeling of support and empowerment. When asked whether to recommend coaching to students, Sabrina didn’t hesitate: “Do it. Success coaches know the resources, they care, and they’re kind of like a friend who’s always looking out for you.”
Elizabeth Gamarra
Social Work major with Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor certification
Elizabeth Gamarra completed her Associate Degree when she was 16 and was accepted to the U's Bachelor of Social Work program at 17. Migrating to the U. S. was a difficult process for Elizabeth and her family.
Speaking no English, she witnessed her parents' resiliency and passion as they sought the best for her and her siblings. Their understanding of the importance of higher education is what motivated her to take advantage of concurrent enrollment, which opened doors to her accelerated path.
Early during her first year at the University of Utah, Elizabeth connected with her Student Success Coach, Wazir. After sharing her story with him, Elizabeth says, "Not only was Wazir validating, but he has not treated me differently, which has been very important given my unique educational background."
Wazir introduced Elizabeth to the McNair Scholars program, and thanks to his support through the application process, she was accepted! One of Elizabeth's advice to students is something that she learned from her mother: "Ask questions. It's better to stay ignorant for five minutes than to stay ignorant for the rest of your life."
Vy Ho
Social Work
Vy Ho is a senior honors student studying Social Work. After spending her first two years of college bouncing around exploring majors, she decided that Social Work was the best choice for her as it would allow for a life of meaningful work.
Vy heard about Student Success Coaches during orientation and thought that it could be a good way to start building a support system. So Vy looked at the SSC bios on the website, noticed that she and Lisa shared similar views and ideas, and decided to reach out.
Vy explains that Lisa has had a tremendous impact on her over the years. So much more than connecting with campus resources, working with Lisa has given her a sense of belonging on campus. "Knowing that there is someone on this campus that is looking out for us and that they will sit and listen to our thoughts, no matter what category they fall in — academic, personal, social, etc. — is what makes SSCs so valuable. This university can feel isolating and make you feel alone," notes Vy, "but [SSCs] give a personal touch to this campus; they become one of your friends."
Ian Lehman
Pre-Electrical Engineering major
Ian Lehmann is a sophomore completing prerequisites in order to declare the Electrical Engineering major. He's currently considering both the Environmental Studies minor and Entrepreneurship Certificate program, as well. His goal is to work in the field of renewable energy, specifically by starting a renewable energy company.
Ian met Student Success Coach, Wazir, at Plazafest his first month at the U. Wazir helped him draft emails concerning student government and offered both professional and personal advice, including counsel regarding his interest in research. In general, Ian has experienced Wazir as an example to emulate and a friend he's blessed to have.
Ian is certain that he's a more successful student thanks to Wazir whose advice, he explains, has helped him better navigate the educational system. "Just knowing that I have a meeting with him later in the week makes me want to work harder and do better," Ian insists. "I have no doubt that I will remain friends with Wazir for the rest of my life, and that he will continue to impact me for the better, the way he already has."
Jazmin Martinez
Studio Art major (Painting & Drawing)
Jazmin Martinez is a sophomore with a passion for art. She is majoring in art with an emphasis in painting and drawing and minoring in Spanish. In middle school, her art teachers were impressed with her work and motivated her to pursue an art degree. Jazmin is also interested in sculpture and exploring the possibility of medical school.
Jazmin met Student Success Coach, Christine, when Christine introduced herself at the Union. Realizing that Jazmin had various interests, Christine offered the idea that she designs her own unique roadmap to graduation and to track her extracurricular activities in a journal. Jazmin's roadmap consists of various colors that represent her well-rounded degree along with credits and grades. Most importantly, Christine helped Jazmin to "stay on top of everything" through organization and time management. Throughout this process, Jazmin has become a more organized leader.
With the help of a Student Success Coach, Jazmin has been able to accomplish so much in a single semester. Jazmin's advice to students is, "Don't bite off more than what you can chew. It is important to be involved in extracurricular activities, but don't overwhelm yourself or get caught up in procrastination. Stay organized."
Anthony Mejia
Psychology and Criminology
Anthony Mejia is a 2024 Psychology and Criminology alumni. He was involved with the First-Gen Scholars and the Lassonde Entrepreneur Program during college. Anthony’s coach, Loretta, was a sounding board for ideas, which included graduate school applications for Anthony. She provided support with staying on top of certain tasks and deciding which ones to tackle on days where he lacked motivation. She also helped him gain communication skills, for example, learning to send emails to his professors. Through the organizational skills and the self-efficacy she helped him gain, he learned he was able to do daunting tasks, and they are possible. That’s a lesson he will carry with him in his life.
One piece of advice he would give to students is to give coaching a shot. Anthony states, “give it at least two appointments, and to be open to trying it.” He also recommends being honest about the things students are working on as coaches are there to help them out and are not there to judge them. With a Student Success Coach, says Anthony, “you work as a team.”
Samantha Mold
Psychology and Sociology majors with Criminology emphasis
Samantha Mold is a senior with majors in Psychology and Sociology with a Criminology emphasis. As a result of internships and other experiences these last three years, she has decided she wants to work in the Crimes against Children Unit with Federal Law Enforcement. Her favorite TV crime show is Criminal Minds.
Samantha reached out to Student Success Coach Tramaine when she was looking for help with the application process for an internship with the FBI. She had learned about Student Success Coaches in her role as peer advisor for the Living Learning Leap. After exploring meeting times on the website, she chose Tramaine who had an open slot that fit well with her schedule and booked the appointment. It turned out to be an excellent match. Working with Tramaine, Samantha developed a compelling application and achieved her goal of an FBI internship in Hawaii. Upon graduation, she will begin a job with federal law enforcement. When asked why she enjoys her coaching sessions, she states, "It gives me a support system on campus, someone I can bounce ideas off of."
Patrick Muvunyi
Biochemistry major
Patrick Muvunyi is a freshman studying Biochemistry. He picked this major because he loves science, understands it well, and has engaged in research with various doctors since his junior year of high school. Having these experiences has strongly defined his career path into Biochemistry.
Patrick met Stephanie, a Student Success Coach, through a friend's referral. During summer orientation, Patrick heard about Student Success Coaches, but it was not until he got a referral that he decided to check in with one.
Patrick felt like Stephanie was a true friend. She had extensive knowledge of the resources in and out of the U. It became refreshing for him to talk to someone. Everyone is so busy that it is difficult to step back and talk about these daily concerns. He now knows who he can reach out to who is willing to listen.
Patrick says, "Student Success Coaches rock! Period." He recommends that students get the help they deserve. "Student Success Coaches are trying to assist you. You are not always perfect, and a Student Success Coach looks forward to getting to know you and helping you succeed."
Dominique Pablito
Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry majors, Pediatric Clinical Research minor
Dominique Pablito's goal is to attend medical school. Fluent in three languages (Navajo, Zuni, and English), she graduated high school at 14 having grown up on different Indian reservations around the country.
Dominique transferred to the U and met Student Success Coach, Jon, that semester. Dominique has worked with Jon on a variety of things, but she considers scholarships to be the most important. Working with Jon made Dominique's transition to the U a lot easier: "When I started at the U, I didn't have any money for college and almost took out a loan—I'm completely against loans, so it was a big deal for me. Also, I'm too young to get a loan and would have to do it through my mom. Jon saved me a lot of stress and time by helping me find scholarships, get situated, and get used to the U."
Dominique is a proud recipient of several scholarships this year including the Larry H. Miller Scholarship, the Alumni Scholarship, and various Native American scholarships. "If I told Jon I wanted to do something," she says, "he helped me do it."
Yajaira Peralta
Medical Laboratory Science major, Pre-Med
Yajaira Peralta is a sophomore with a passion for science. She is in the process of completing prerequisite courses to apply to the Medical Laboratory Science major and is currently on a pre-med track.
Yajaira first met Student Success Coach, Jen, the summer of her first year at the U. She remembers sitting outside when Jen walked up and introduced herself. At the time, Yajaira was frustrated about not knowing what major to declare. "It felt like my world was falling apart," she shares, "because I'm the kind of person who knows what I'm doing." Yajaira worked with Jen to choose a major, get more involved, and find a good balance.
Since meeting Jen, Yajaira joined and is now editor of a student-led social justice newspaper called Venceremos, and she has found many service activities through the Bennion Center, including her favorite, cleaning up Red Butte Gardens. Meeting Jen has made Yajaira's college experience a lot easier. "I felt really lonely when I came here at first," she confided. "Having a Student Success Coach is like having a friend you can always talk to. Jen just made me feel welcomed."
Hunter Poulsen
Math and Economics
Hunter Poulsen is a freshman double-majoring in math and economics with an emphasis in statistics. His ultimate goals are to pursue graduate studies in labor economics and work at the Federal Trade Commission to address anti-competitive corporate behavior.
Displaying independence early in his college career, he recognized the value of engaging in campus resources and started meeting with his Student Success Coach, Loretta, after receiving an outreach email. What began as a one-time experiment quickly became a regular support system.
“If I have an idea or something I want to do, she’ll say ‘here’s a solution’ and it works out wonderfully.” Hunter uses coaching sessions to clarify goals, find direction, and access additional opportunities. Loretta connected him with many opportunities, such as research programs, leading to his co-authorship on a paper. His sessions sparked personal growth, meditation, and mindfulness, encouraging him to attend social events. Coaching became a reliable tool for connecting ambition with opportunity through meaningful conversations and tailored guidance. For Hunter, Loretta wasn’t just a resource but a guide who consistently helped him turn ideas into results, making his college experience more purposeful and fulfilling. “Every time I’m surprised by what I get out of it… I come out having more useful tools than I thought I would get.”
YoungJae Shin
Pre-Bioengineering major, German minor
YoungJae Shin is a sophomore pursuing a Bioengineering major and minor in German. YoungJae's desire to put his math and science skills to good use and to help others led him to the Bioengineering major.
A friend recommended that YoungJae connect with Stephanie and, since, they have worked together on time management and balancing extracurriculars with coursework. Stephanie directed him to Learning Abroad and the Hinckley Institute to explore his interest in returning to Germany to master the German language. Stephanie has also connected YoungJae with the Office of Undergraduate Research and he is now volunteering in a lab and plans to apply for a UROP assistantship. "I didn't notice how much there was on campus to be a part of," says YoungJae. "If there was something I wanted to do, I was given information from one source, my SSC."
YoungJae always considered himself an introvert, yet since coming to the U, he has noticed that he is very busy and interactive. "As an international student," he explains, "it's hard to talk to others. I realized that if I wanted to do something and become something, I have to interact with people and make myself vulnerable and be brave."
Gina Sombatsphay
Finance major
Gina Sombatsaphay is a sophomore who plans to major in Finance and minor in Political Science. Upon entering the U, Gina was admitted to the Business Scholars Program which provided an opportunity to travel abroad and meet students who share her passion.
Gina met Student Success Coach, Stephanie, at orientation and later received an email from her. At the time, she was living off-campus and struggling with the transition to college. "The first semester was really hard," she confided. "You feel so insignificant at such a big school without knowing anyone." Gina knew she needed to reach out and talk to someone rather than stay depressed in silence.
Stephanie helped Gina smooth out the transition by planning a well-rounded college experience focused on Gina's goals and interests. She provided resources that led to a summer internship with Enterprise and turned into a part-time job. While working with Stephanie, Gina has gained confidence and realized, "We're so similar. She keeps me sane. It's nice to have someone to talk to about whatever is going on." "Reach out to an SSC," Gina advises, "because you're not obliged to meet with them. It can be once a month or whenever you're feeling stressed out. But they're always there."
Jelani Taylor
Sociology and Human Development and Family Studies majors
Jelani Taylor is a graduating senior majoring in Sociology and Human Development and Family Studies. After graduating, Jelani will begin the Master of Education program at Westminster College.
When Student Success Coach, Nedra, introduced herself and offered to assist with anything, Jelani's response was, "I really thought she was kidding. But she would text me and email information about events. She offered to help connect me with different people." Jelani's goal was to make connections and be more active on campus. She reveals the biggest accomplishment Nedra helped with: "She's the reason I applied to graduate school."
Jelani also confided in Nedra about her struggle as a student of color at the U. Nedra gave Jelani advice and introduced her to students who shared these feelings. "In a way, Nedra really brought us together so we could support each other," she admits. "Through Nedra, I found my voice. She helped me to be more confident and embrace the fact that I am African American."
Jelani's advice is, "Connect with an SSC. They come to you, and that's what works about it. Without Nedra, I wouldn't have applied to graduate school. I wouldn't have come to campus as often."
Colby Townsend
Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies and Religious Studies majors
Colby Townsend is a senior pursuing majors in Honors Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies and Religious Studies. Colby has a remarkable love and passion for the history and interpretation of scripture. He wants to study the composition of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Colby explains that there is so much someone can learn by studying the historical context in which the Pentateuch was written and by studying it in original Hebrew.
Student Success Coach, Stephanie, introduced herself to Colby last spring. During their conversation, Colby shared his interest in getting involved in research. Stephanie informed him of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), and Colby immediately got involved. He now works closely with Nathan Devir, professor in the Department of Languages and Literature. This opportunity has led to some amazing experiences, including receiving special research grants and attending some prestigious conferences.
Colby couldn't be more grateful for his experience working with a Student Success Coach and believes it has made his experience at the U of U one that he will remember forever.
Andrew Tsai
Computer Science major
Andrew Tsai is a non-traditional, transfer student pursuing a major in Computer Science. Before transferring to the U to complete a Bachelor degree, Andrew received an Associate degree from Snow College. Andrew connected with a Student Success Coach at the Union. Andrew, he and his SSC meet bi-weekly.
Andrew was worried about being admitted to the Computer Science major because of the GPA requirement. His SSC recommended the concept of studying for thirty minutes and then taking a fifteen minutes break rather than cramming in one or two long sessions shortly before. Andrew explains that "the idea of 'if I do this for a little bit, I will get a break' is motivating." Since transferring to the U and working his Student Success Coach, Andrew made the Dean's List for the first time, was admitted to his major, and has found an academic pace that works for him.
As a transfer student, Andrew has learned that friends are really important and play a key role in success at the U: "... honestly, besides my, SSC, ... my friends ...have played a very big role in how I did last semester. We would encourage each other and do our work together even though we weren't in the same major."
Caleb Webb
Physics major
Caleb Webb is a sophomore who recently declared a major in Physics and is planning to add the Math and Astronomy majors. While a triple major may sound overwhelming, Caleb says he would like to pursue all three as they complement each other conceptually and the coursework overlaps.
Caleb had no idea what he wanted to do as a freshman but knew that he really enjoyed learning. He attended a Major Exploration event his first semester where he met Stephanie, a Student Success Coach. Stephanie emailed him with her contact information, and Caleb took the initiative to respond seeking help declaring a major. Since then, he has been in contact with her several times.
Caleb has learned that he is a lot more motivated than he thought he was and that having an SSC to contact is a good idea because "they are there when you need someone to fall back on." If Caleb could pass along a piece of advice, it would be to "try and get your priorities straight and learn something that you are interested in and not something that is just going to get you a great job, because sometimes it's more about the journey than the destination."
Michael Worthen
Finance and Mathematics majors
Michael Worthen is a sophomore pursuing a double major in Finance and Math with an emphasis in Statistics. After exploring the programs the U has to offer, he was drawn to the collaborative environment of the School of Business, which led him to choose Finance.
After a Student Success Coach spoke in one of his classes, Michael visited the website to make an appointment with Bryce. He hoped to work on improving his grades and study habits. Michael admits, "Coming into college for my first semester, I thought I knew how to study. But I found out I was wrong." Bryce advised Michael to prioritize his commitments.
Michael met frequently with Bryce to continue to check in and stay motivated. "Having that push every week or every other week is very beneficial," he says. "With Bryce, the best part is being able not only to talk about school but to talk on a personal level." With the help of Bryce, Michael has improved his study skills and time management. Michael offers this advice to other students: "Try not to do everything at once. Schedule it correctly. You don’t want to get overwhelmed. Put school first and GET A PLANNER!"
Haoran Yu
Communications major, Drawing minor
Haoran Yu is a transfer student from China, pursuing a major in Communication and a minor in Drawing. Before coming to the U, Haoran attended university in China where he studied Electrical Engineering.
A friend referred Haoran to Student Success Coach, Christine. As Haoran looks back on his experience at the U, his main accomplishment was discerning the goal that would guide him. The moment he chose his own path and did not follow what his parents or family wanted, Haoran learned to be himself. He says, "Christine has provided consistent support for me. She is the one who has been on my side since day one, giving me the support to help me choose to follow what I wanted."
Haoran offers this advice: "Follow your heart and do the things you want to do and that you are really good at. In most cultures, families try to make many decisions for you, but those decisions may not be the ones you would make for yourself." As a student who changed majors his junior year, he emphasizes, "Know who you are and accept it. Never cover yourself up; if that is who you are, that is who you are!"
Courtney Zaffino
Health Promotion and Education major
Courtney Zaffino, a first-generation student, was in her junior year studying Health Promotion and Education when she met Student Success Coach, Stephanie, during a class visit. Immediately, Courtney knew she'd found her mentor. "Coming into college was a little scary because I had no idea of what it'd be like. I was one fish in a giant sea, and Steph really helped to make me feel like I wasn't alone during this crazy journey," says Courtney.
Courtney became more involved with campus life after meeting with Steph. Courtney worked on campus and had a great experience as a UFit volunteer—where she discovered her love for working with children with disabilities—and filmed PAC-12 sporting events. "Steph encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone," Courtney explains. "When I opened myself up to opportunities, I found programs that I fell in love with."
Courtney's advice to students: "Never deprive yourself of any opportunity and enjoy yourself during your experience at the U. Some of your best decisions will be some of the most unexpected. Keep all your options open, and never be close-minded during your years at the U. Anything is possible!"