Bridge Student Testimonials
Jocelyn Venegas Magellanos
The Bridge program was the best thing that could have happened to me for my first year of college. My first year was made a lot better thanks to bridge because of the great things I was taught and all the resources I was exposed to. Not only did Bridge expose to me to great opportunities here on campus but also learned a lot during our Wilderness Orientation, which was not only so much fun but also very educational. I am really glad to have had my weekly mentor meetings and my meetings with my EOP academic advisor because I really learned so much from them. Bridge has also helped me make long lasting friends that I am so grateful to have now. I am so glad to have been a part of Bridge, I was able to really grow as a person
Cristal Romero
High school was over and as summer was coming to an end, each day I grew more andmore nervous to leave to college. My best friend was the other only person that who was going to the UCSC. At first I was very hesitant to attend the EOP summer bridge program, because I did not want to leave my friends and family weeks earlier before it was actually time. I finally decided to research the program and after reading about the benefits I gave in and packed my bags to head to Santa Cruz. The first days I was very hesitant to interact with the other student and began to isolate myself from the group. As the program progressed, a girl who was also part of program began to conversate with me and from that day on she became my first college friend. Little by little she introduced me to a lot of the other student and soon I found a group of friends. EOP bridge has not only provided me with great resources, but it has also helped me mentally. The support from all the staff and mentors is incredible. The way they carry the conversations with you during meetings, is done with such a tone, that shows they genuinely really want to know about your day and how you’re feeling. I want to thank all the EOP staff and my mentor for helping me get through my first year college. I have made great friends through the EOP bridge program which I am eternally grateful for.
Danielle Garcia
Above all, Bridge has taught me the value in having a sense of community. Having people who are willing and passionate about advocating for the needs of students who otherwise might feel like outsiders, had directly had an impact on how I see myself as a student. I can safely say that in spite of my self determination to complete my undergraduate degrees, the transition into college was more of a challenge than what I anticipated.
Personally, I have benefited from the emotional and mental support that comes with being a Bridgee as opposed to the practical skills that are developed. Having a mentor that you trust, friends with shared experiences, and a resource network at your disposal who are there for you to celebrate your triumphs and remind you of your innate ability to persevere in your times of need, serve to make me feel like I belong in such a competitive environment.
Karen Nolasco
Joining EOP Bridge is one of the best decisions you can ever make. From giving you a smoother transition into college to forming a community, bridge is always there to help you out with anything. Without EOP, I have no idea what my first year would have looked like. As a matter of fact, the majority of my close friends are part of Bridge as well. But Bridge did not only help me make friends, they also taught me time management & different ways I can study. This program, however, did not only teach me about the many academic resources this campus provides, I also learned about workshops that teach the significance of self care. With that being said, EOP has an immense impact in my life because of the amazing mentors and academic counselors wanting nothing but the best for me and every other student in this program.
Anna Nguyen
The first weeks of college could seem like such a daunting time for many first-year students; you’re at a new school, this may be your first time living away from your parents, but part of the reason why my first days of school were so spectacular, was because I was fortunate enough partake in the Summer Bridge Program! Through EOP Bridge, I was able to create memories that I will forever cherish with my Bridge family. All my Bridgee loves and I had the most wonderful advantage. Living on campus during Summer Bridge allowed us to be experts at UCSC before class officially began. We knew how to get to the resources we needed, and were accustomed to the demanding work, input, and time management skills that are necessary to be a successful college student. It was truly a life changing experience. Because of the unconditional encouragement from my incredible Bridge coordinator and mentors, my first college experience has been a million times better than I expected. EOP Bridge has planted a seed in my life, and that seed has grown into a blossoming rose because of the necessary mentorship, financial resources, and educational and cultural experiences Bridge has provided for me. I wouldn’t trade back this experience for anything else in the world.
Rachel Charime
Transitioning into college can seem like a very intimidating experience; however the Bridge program provides each Bridge student ease with this transition. I have learned about the many resources UCSC provides, such the tutoring support services and counseling. Other than academic support, Bridge has also provided an outlet to meet many brilliant and kind individuals, that I am proud to call my friends. My mentor has been such an important aid during my first year experience. Being able to consolidate with someone else who has successfully gone through their first year as a college student has contributed immensely to understanding my true potential. With the help of the advisors, mentors, and all the wonderful people that help put this program together I am proud to say that I have had the chance to be a Bridgee and would never take that opportunity away. I have learned so much about my capabilities as a student and as an influential person and will continue to use them throughout the rest of my college experience.
David Mateo-Santos
I recommend students to join EOP Bridge because this program makes students feel that they are not alone in their new odyssey of attending college. What makes this program special is that you are given the opportunity to arrive two weeks earlier than a regular student. The benefits of arriving earlier to my dorm was that I was able to get the perfect desk, drawer, and bed that I wanted. To that end, I was able to meet many new friends, administrators, and academic counselors that has helped me survive college. The underlining theme of Bridge is their commitment of helping first in the family and underrepresented students make an easy transition from high school to college. The Bridge program has given me many resources such as a personal mentor, a Bridge academic counselor, and the opportunity to enroll in classes earlier.
I am very proud that I am in the EOP Bridge program because it has helped me have a greater confidence in attending college. The EOP Bridge mentors are people to look up to because they have already experienced the first year in college. The University of California, Santa Cruz is composed of a predominantly white group of students which has made me think that the admission administers had done a mistake in letting me into this remarkable college. But I soon saw that I was accepted because I had the quality to succeed in this college. Currently I am doing a great in college and please do think about joining the EOP Bridge program.
Miriam Solis Medrano
The Bridge Program at UC Santa Cruz is like home away from home. From the motherly EOP advisors, to the loving mentors, and the enthusiastic mentees, the Bridge Program creates more than just a community, it creates a family. As a Bridgee, I grew both academically and individually. I got the opportunity to meet new people and take advantage of the resources here at UCSC. I also learned valuable skills ranging from time management to helpful study skills that successfully led to a remarkable first year of college. Thanks to the advice and support, this program guided me through my transition to college.
