How Transferring from West Valley to USD Shaped My Personal & Professional Life

Starting at West Valley College gave me something incredibly valuable: room to explore. I took a wide variety of classes — everything from business to general education to courses I wasn’t even sure I’d like — and that freedom helped me narrow down what I actually wanted to study. It allowed me to test out different paths without pressure, which ultimately led me toward business, marketing, and the kind of work that lets me be both strategic and creative.

West Valley also gave me the chance to keep playing volleyball, something that kept me grounded and motivated during those early years. Balancing classes with practices and tournaments taught me time management, teamwork, and how to perform consistently even when life feels busy — skills that still matter in everything I do now.

Transferring to the University of San Diego felt like the next step once I had clarity. USD pushed me academically in a different way. The classes were hands-on, project-based, and connected to real companies through case studies and presentations. I worked on global marketing projects, digital strategy assignments, and operations challenges that made me think critically and creatively. Each class built on the next, giving me a well-rounded understanding of how businesses operate and how people make decisions.

Looking back, the combination of both schools shaped me more than I expected. West Valley gave me the space to explore and find direction; USD gave me the tools, structure, and confidence to pursue the career I want. Together, they shaped not just my academic path, but the kind of professional I’m becoming.