August 29, 2025 Transfer Student Center: Resiliency and Belonging By Simba Sims Photo by Simba Sims | Student Affairs Media Team
As a youth, I watched my mother spend nearly a decade taking classes at West Los Angeles College—one after another—while simultaneously raising me and my sister. She earned her associate's degree with a 4.0 GPA, transferred into a pre-law program, graduated with a J.D., started a successful law practice and taught as a law professor—all while being our supermom.
As I helped her hang her diploma just before her firm's grand opening, I began to understand that her journey wasn't just about each class—it was about her commitment, her consistency and her ability to transform small wins into large victories.
Somewhere at the intersection of hard work and opportunity, resilience and perseverance, you'll find a transfer student. Their commitment is forged by an unwavering desire to succeed and origin stories that start beyond UCLA. Transfer students make up one of UCLA's most varied communities. While each transfer student has a unique journey, common themes mark their narratives: resiliency, leadership and a wide range of life experiences.
In this Spotlight edition, we amplify their stories and highlight the people and programs that support their success.
UCLA's Transfer Student Center is located on the first floor of classic Kerckhoff Hall. Inside the Transfer Center, you'll find Associate Director Sarah Molitoris—someone I've come to know not only as a colleague, but also as a friend. She generously offered her time for a coffee chat, and I'm honored to share both her and the center's story. Sarah has been a transfer advocate for over 10 years. She has held multiple roles throughout her career but says her most rewarding experience has been creating accessible pathways to enhance the UCLA experience for over 8,000 transfer students.
The Transfer Center's mission is to provide a welcoming environment, create an inclusive community and empower students to successfully achieve their goals at UCLA.
Starting with the admission process, she explains that transfer students face additional challenges beyond those of first-year direct-entry students. For example, Sarah notes that 41% of domestic transfer students are the first in their families to attend college, many of whom are impacted by gaps in information and resources. Additionally, 19% are nontraditional students over the age of 25 with dependents, or even military veterans.
Applicants must arrive with the equivalent of a third-year standing—60 semester or 90 quarter transferable units—and complete major-specific prerequisites before being considered. And while UCLA's transfer student acceptance rate is 23%, the university remains among the most selective in the world.
Sarah also speaks of the richness and diversity of transfer students' backgrounds—how each one brings not only academic value, but also an array of life experiences that create grit and resilience. These stories elevate the entire campus community. The experiences of transfer students are like an iceberg. Look underneath the surface and you will find complex stories of where they came from—stories of personal sacrifice, persistence, triumph and setbacks.
Resilience
Shaeveon Sisson, a 2025 UCLA Communications graduate and former transfer, worked as the Transfer Center's Campus Engagement Coordinator. She credits the center for connecting her to the Bruin community from day one. At graduation, she was photographed with the phrase "Stuntin' Like My Daddy" embroidered on her sash.
When I asked the meaning, she quietly paused before sharing. The phrase is a term of endearment she used with her father as she emulated his UCLA journey, honoring his legacy and in his loving memory. It became her chant of encouragement, her driving force and her story of resilience.
There are countless stories like hers: the student who stayed home at 18 to support their family while attending community college; the student determined to graduate debt-free, willing to take the long road; the international student who wanted to learn more about our country's culture before transferring; the veteran who served their country; or the system-impacted student embracing their second opportunity.
These are commonalities that shape the transfer community and uplift the Bruin spirit. Sarah says this is the motivation she shares with her team to create a space rooted in access—ensuring transfer students receive professional development and opportunities to participate in programs such as the Leadership Academy. The Transfer Center collaborates with over 50 campus offices, connecting students to resources, opportunities and mentorship.
"When you walk through our doors, I want you to walk into your best life." - Sarah Molitoris