Hi! I'm Brooke, a senior Communication major with an Italian minor. I have recently studied abroad in Bologna, Italy and have all of the European recommendations. As a transfer student with limited time at UCSB, I have made sure to find all of the university's hidden gems and take advantage of the extra curricular accommodations UCSB has to offer. I can answer most questions about Financial Aid, Cal Fresh, using the gym, Scholarships and more!

Hometown

Roseville, California

Major(s)

Communication

Minor(s)

Italian

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I joined the club Girl Gains at the start of the 2025 Fall quarter, but my workload was too heavy to remain consistent. I really enjoyed it and I look forward to rejoin them this Fall. I studied abroad in Bologna, Italy for the Winter and Spring quarter; it was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I can't wait to share​/​recommend it to other students. I also intended to join the UCSB newspaper, The Daily Nexus, but again my course load was too much for me to balance outside activities. However, I did show up to a few meetings and I joined their Slack Teams for a bit to see if I could participate. I am also looking forward to rejoin The Daily Nexus this Fall.

Describe your college experience

As a 30 year old transfer student I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at UCSB. I wish I could've spent all four years on this campus. I toured every UC that I got accepted to and there was something about the UCSB campus that resonated with me the second I stepped onto it. Thus far, the students, professors and atmosphere has felt safe, warm, welcoming and fun. I thought I would feel a little out of place being a decade older than the majority of the students but no one has made me feel that way. I am excited to start my senior year and explore my upper division classes.

Tip for future students

My best advice for future students is reach out to others the first week of class and exchange your student emails with them. They are likely feeling nervous or excited as well and will want to make a connection. This connection can help you stay on track with assignments or make any sort of future group projects easier to collaborate on.

Favorite class

My favorite class so far at UCSB was The Holocaust in Italy. This class had incredible reading material and the reading discussions at the start of each class were interesting, engaging and fun to talk about with the professor. In addition, I think learning in depth about Italy and Mussolini's role in the Holocaust is imperative. The memoirs we read were not only informative but enticing. This course could count toward and Italian major or minor as well as a major elective for Communication majors.

Career goals

I am looking to find a career in marketing. I love being a creative but also collecting data and running A|B tests to see what works for certain audiences. I thoroughly enjoy finding new ways to connect with people through hospitality as well as creativity.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I love to rock climb, play co-ed community soccer, read fantasy novels and watch horror movies. Anything involving those activities make me so happy!

High school or secondary school

Roseville High School

Previous college

Santa Monica College

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus in the grassy hill right outside of the cafeteria. You can find sunny or shady spots with a view of the estuary.