Gil demonstrates strength and perseverance, overcomes doubts

kelvin — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 08:49:14 +0000

Gil demonstrates strength and perseverance, overcomes doubts kelvin Tue, 06/17/2025 - 01:49 More Press Releases Jeremy Gutierrez, Student Writer/CHASS Marketing and Communications June 17, 2025

Fourth-year business-economics major Aaron Gil describes his time at UC Riverside as “transformative.” Gil, who struggled with imposter syndrome after initially being waitlisted, has risen beyond his self-doubts into an outstanding student and member of the community. In addition to his academics, Gil is a Peer Educator in CHASS F1RST and a Peer Academic Advisor in CHASS Advising. He attributes his success to the work of inspiring professors, valuable resources, and engaging campus organizations.

“I gradually found my place,” Gil said. “Nearly four years later, I have become more confident and capable, largely thanks to the opportunities and support UCR has given me. Although college came with its challenges, I will always be grateful for the community and experiences that helped me grow. The lessons I’ve learned here will stay with me for years to come.”

Gil’s success is also attributed to his own work, earning him the admiration of Dr. Shellee Stewert, Assistant Director of CHASS FIRST First-Year Experience Programs

“Aaron is passionate about helping others, and through his roles as a Peer Educator in CHASS F1RST and Peer Academic Advisor in CHASS Advising, he gets to support his peers’ success daily,” Stewart said. “As he approaches graduation, he is excited to finish his last year strong and pursue a career in either higher education or the business sector!”

Gil’s continued academic success has been a team effort, with him receiving consistent support from many facets of his life, including his family, his girlfriend, and the Highlander Business Society. Gil’s older brother, who also attended the University of California, provided Gil with advice and guidance while his parents raised him to appreciate the value of education. Gil also cited the many resources CHASS provides that aided him during his undergraduate years.

“In their first year, students participate in learning communities that help them transition to a large research institution and familiarize themselves with college life/academics,” Gil said. “Additionally, CHASS provides both Academic Advisors and Peer Academic Advisors who are available throughout students' undergraduate journeys to answer questions regarding majors, resources, and more. CHASS Career Specialists also assist with professional development and help students explore career opportunities within their fields. Furthermore, CHASS offers various research opportunities, which students can learn about through professors and different research centers.”

Although Gil initially chose his major unsure of what he wanted, as he took the courses, he began to love the work. Many aspects of economics fascinate him, and the addition of amazing professors makes the subject even more engaging.

After graduation, Gil plans to move back to San Diego and is currently interviewing with several companies he has interned with. Before beginning his career, he plans to travel Europe with his brother.

FEATURED PHOTO. Aaron Gil stands in front of the bell tower, each of his four stoles hanging off his arm.

CHASS celebrates National Student Transfer Week

kelvin — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 22:08:53 +0000

CHASS celebrates National Student Transfer Week kelvin Tue, 10/10/2023 - 15:08 More Press Releases Alejandra Prado, Student Writer/CHASS Marketing and Communications October 10, 2023

National Student Transfer Week serves as a significant occasion to honor the unique journeys of transfer students every third week of October, organized by the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students.

CHASS Transfers F1RST, a student-led program in CHASS F1RST that assists transfer students in navigating their newfound journey at UCR, is gearing up alongside campus partners to launch the week with a special event on Oct. 16 to commemorate transfer students at UCR.

Taking place in room 302N at the Highlander Union Building (HUB) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Kickoff event will feature food, a photo booth, swag, and networking opportunities with fellow transfer students, faculty, staff, and UCR’s mascot, Scotty. With various campus partners present, transfer students can also gain insight into programs and services at UCR.

“The purpose is to celebrate UCR transfer students and create community, a sense of belonging while encouraging involvement and persistence for transfers to ‘full steam ahead’ into their educational journey,” said Stella Rocha, a Student Academic Specialist in CHASS F1RST First-Year Experience Programs.

Now a staff member, Rocha can speak to the transfer student experience as an alumna of UCR. Having transferred from Riverside City College (RCC) to UCR in 2020, Rocha graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.

“When I was a student at UCR, I benefited from programs like CHASS Transfers F1RST, Chicano Student Programs, the Library, and the Academic Resource Center,” Rocha said. “While it was not always easy for me, involvement and participation prepared me to be successful, both academically and professionally.”

As an Academic Student Specialist in CHASS F1RST, Rocha oversees the transfer student component of the program with the Transfer Learning Community and the Transfer Year Experience, designed to prepare students for academic success and offer tools and resources to transfer students.

Driven by her own experiences as a transfer student, Rocha aims to “pay it forward to the next generation of scholars” and acknowledges that her journey was made possible by the guidance and support of mentors, professors, and colleagues. Now, as a staff member in CHASS F1RST, she is dedicated to supporting and empowering fellow transfer students on their paths to success.

“I remember who I needed as I navigated life and academia, so everything I do is deeply rooted in Community,” she said.

Like Rocha, many transfer students learn more about resources on campus and take the time to seek help from others on their journeys within CHASS.

“All of the people I have met and friends made in different courses have made my experience more worthwhile,” said Mariah Miller, a fourth-year undergraduate transfer student majoring in psychology who also serves as a Transfer Ambassador in CHASS Transfers F1RST.

“My first quarter was a quarter of learning more about myself, learning the campus, and all of the resources it had to offer, and seeking out to meet new people,” she said. In utilizing resources and taking advantage of what the Transfer Learning Community had to offer, Miller found her way with music and psychology in CHASS as a Transfer Ambassador and a member of the UCR Orchestra.

Transfer student Savannah Messenger also serves as a Transfer Ambassador alongside Miller, majoring in creative writing with a minor in education. Messenger, whose brother also attended UCR, transferred from RCC after becoming interested in the creative writing program.

Messenger, who is starting her third quarter at UCR, still considers her transfer journey to be in its early stages.

“The best way to get involved and connect with the campus is to take that first step. While talking and making friends in class, I was encouraged by my professor to apply for the CHASS Transfer Ambassador position,” Messenger said. “I am hoping this will get me in touch with other transfers with a similar experience to my own and help them along the way.”

“Take time to discover yourself and who you are at your own pace,” Miller said. “We are bound to make mistakes, but you are just where you need to be and a place of learning.”

To learn more about National Student Transfer Week and the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students, please visit nists.org/national-transfer-student-week.

To learn more about CHASS Transfers F1RST, the Transfer Learning Community, and the Transfer Year Experience, please visit chassf1rst.ucr.edu/chass-transfers-f1rst.

To hear from more transfer students and learn more about their experiences, please visit instagram.com/ucrchass/ and tiktok.com/@ucrchass.