Hi! My name is Ellaine Peralta, and I'm a Psychology transfer student at UCLA. As a first-generation college student, I've found a strong sense of belonging through campus involvement, serving as President of the Pilipino Transfer Student Partnership, a Peer Advisor for the Center for Community College Partnerships, and a Transfer Outreach Coordinator for Phi Chi. I love connecting with people, sharing my UCLA journey, and helping students feel excited and confident about finding their own community here. I'm excited about the opportunity to welcome future Bruins and show them what makes UCLA such a special place.

Hometown

Long Beach, CA USA

Major(s)

Psychology

Minor(s)

Considered Public Health but had to drop due to graduation timeline.

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Pilipino Transfer Student Partnership - Chairperson​/​President Phi Chi Pre-Med​/​Pre-Health Fraternity - Transfer Outreach and Development Chair Anakbayan UCLA - Member Center for Community College Partnerships - Peer Advisor

Describe your college experience

It wasn't an easy road. It took a lot of time for to adjust to the environment at UCLA. I would say finding community and branching out really helped me transition. The support systems I found through different organizations really guided me and kept my head afloat.

Tip for future students

Push yourself out of your comfort zone. No matter how much you prepare you can't really anticipate the amount of change that is about to happen, so just trust yourself and be present.

Favorite class

Social and Developmental Psychology - for starters it was with one of my favorite professors. The content was very much enjoyable and something that broadened my understanding of both psychology and sociology.

Career goals

Pursue grad school with a focus on Public Health

Ideal way to spend a free night

Be with my friends in our pjs and watch a movie with food we are craving.

High school or secondary school

Woodrow Wilson High School - Long Beach, CA USA

Previous college

Long Beach City College. It was a lot of hard work and it took a village to help me with my journey. I am very fortunate that since I was very active in my community college I had a lot of resources and people willing to help me transfer and watch me grow.