It is the time of the year when many De Anza College students prepare to graduate or plan their new life in their new university. Before that occurs, some students took a moment to reflect on their transfer or graduate path.

“It took me two years to finish the requirements and a year to study English, ” said Nona Salehi, 27, journalism major. “Transferring was not hard just needed to spend enough time to make sure I got good grades.”

Although ready to transfer or graduate, students wish they knew several things to transfer or graduate faster.

“A lot of people don’t really know what path is best for them and I was one of those students. So I took classes that I didn’t need,” said Jessica Robledo, 21, nursing major.

Likewise Salehi wishes she had a transfer plan since she arrived in De Anza in order to choose the classes she needed.
Others did not have the urgency to transfer or graduate.

“I don’t really wish I knew anything. De Anza like any school can go as fast or as slow as you want it,” said Doug Young, 32, interactive design major.

“I did not want to transfer faster because I didn’t have a major back then,” said Jirla Salvador, 21, journalism major.
Though they have no regrets, these students wish they did academic things differently.

“I wish I actually knew what I wanted to do!” said Robledo. “There are so many options it’s hard to decide.”

Similarly, Salvador said, “I wish I was able to find my major quicker, in order to follow the correct path.”

Others wished they chose better guidance.

“I wish I had a better counselor to guide me through these years,” said Salehi.

Advice these students give to future transfer or graduate students varies.

“Only put yourself in a classroom when necessary. Online classes are a minimal way to complete requirements that are less interesting, monotonous, or don’t benefit you in terms of your academic goals,” said Young.

Counseling and classes are crucial for transferring and graduating.

“I suggest students to often have meetings with a good counselor. Take math and English courses as soon as you can. Don’t wait until last minute,” said Salehi.

Personal determination is equally essentially.

“Know exactly what you want to do. Don’t change your mind,” said Robledo.

“Stay focused and work hard.,” said Salvador. Know exactly what you want to do so you can do what you need to do to graduate right away,” said Salvador.