#NationalTransferStudentWeek
October 20-24, 2025
Transfer Student Spotlight | Elijah Current and Cecilia Ayala
Elijah Current
Major: Communication
Q: How did you decide to attend the University of Utah?
A: I first moved to Utah to work in the snowboard industry. I was a non-traditional student and decided that it was time to get a degree. I am so glad I chose Utah!
Q: What advice would you share with other students thinking of transferring?
A: Everyone says it, but it’s true - get involved! I have loved being involved on campus and going to sports games in the Muss! Don’t be afraid of overcoming the hurdles of putting yourself out there!
Q: What excites you about your major?
A: My major excites me due to the versatility it offers. I believe that with a communication major, every company has a fitting role. Whether I stay in the snowboard industry or do something completely different after graduation, I am excited for the journey my degree offers!
Q: What was surprising about campus life or classes here at the U?
A: I found that the class size for me as a transfer student has been small. Coming straight into my major and having intimate class sizes was great.
Q: What strategies or resources have helped you be successful here at the University of Utah?
A: BALANCE is a hugeeeeee one. I work full-time, so taking advantage of hybrid classes and the U's flexible schedule has been great for me.
Q: Are there any specific transfer-friendly spaces, programs, or events you would recommend?
A: I would recommend trying out intramural sports if you’re into being active. I’ve met some great people that way. Also, the institutes we have on campus, such as the J. Willard Marriott Library or Lassonde, are great ways to get involved outside your major.
Q: How can faculty and staff better support transfer students?
A: More fun networking! I know we have the honors society, but it would be nice to have some events where we can meet people. I still struggle making friends, honestly, so it would be cool to have a place to really find like-minded folks.
Q: How has your transfer experience shaped your future goals?
A: It’s shown me what I am capable of. Working full-time while attending school hasn’t been easy, but I have found myself really proud of the work I put in. Also, returning to school later helped me want to learn on my own terms.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your remaining time at the U?
A: Getting more involved with different events on campus and more core classes!
Cecilia Ayala
Major: English Education
Q: How did you decide to attend the University of Utah?
A: It was the next obvious step after getting my associate degree at SLCC, and it was also so close to my house.
Q: What advice would you share with other students thinking of transferring?
A: It's an amazing school to work with regarding transferring. The U makes everything as seamless as possible and has a special place for transfer students to come together.
Q: What excites you about your major?
A: Being able to teach a younger generation!
Q: What was surprising about campus life or classes here at the U?
A: Coming from SLCC, it felt like I was coming to a big and scary place! It's not scary, but it is big. I love how much variety the school has to offer for everything.
Q: What strategies or resources have helped you be successful here at the University of Utah?
A: Transfer Student Services and the Dream Center!!!! Paul at Transfer Student Services has been nothing but a ray of sunshine and has been so helpful with anything and everything.
Q: Are there any specific transfer-friendly spaces, programs, or events you would recommend?
A: Definitely the Transfer Student Office, and the farmer's market at the beginning of the year.
Q: How can faculty and staff better support transfer students?
A: It could help bridge the gap between the schools, aka SLCC and the U, but otherwise it's rather seamless, and expectations don't change much.
Q: How has your transfer experience shaped your future goals?
A: Transferring to the U has been so helpful in overcoming my anxiety about making big life changes. I honestly never thought I would be where I am today, but I am happy it's at the U!
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your remaining time at the U?
A: I am so happy to get further and further into my major, both the English and the Education parts! I am excited to take my experiences out into the real world.
Q: Anything else you want to share about your experiences?
A: Go UTES!