Linh

Major: CCS Writing & Literature

Transferred from: Palomar College

Bio: Hi, I'm Linh! I found refuge in books as soon as I could read, and have always wanted to be a writer. But as a first-generation immigrant and college student from an Asian family, I spent years pursuing pre-med instead of my creative dream. When I got to UCSB, I could no longer ignore the voice in my head screaming at me to "go for it"; it was getting louder and louder. So I applied to the Writing & Literature program in the College of Creative Studies. 2026-2027 marks my second and last year in the program. I'm writing a novel for my senior capstone, taking classes I love with amazing faculty and peers, and cannot be happier about my decision. Post-graduation, I'm planning on working full-time in the marketing and business field and pursuing creative writing in my free time.

Advice for Transfers: 1. Use your time at UCSB as a networking experiment. Be curious; talk to professors and industry professionals. You can learn anything from a textbook, but connections are made live. 2. It's okay to change majors halfway through or stay an extra year (though I understand not everyone can afford to do so financially). But if the fear of falling behind or taking too long is holding you back, remember that taking extra time is more common than you think, and many transfers who graduate within two years wish they could stay longer anyway. 3. Eat. Rest. Create your own pockets of joy each week, no matter how small!