Transfer Student Spotlight

Jose Morales Diaz

Jose is a transfer student from Salt Lake Community College. He was born in Mexico but grew up in Salt Lake City.  Ever since high school he knew that he wanted to attend the U of U. He liked its reputation as the “flagship institution” of Utah and considered it the best university in the state.

Jose is majoring in Communication at the U.  He selected this major because it fits his interests and gives him skills that he hopes to use in his future profession.

One of the most meaningful experiences that Jose has had at the U has been working as a peer mentor for the Diversity Scholars Program in the Office of Equity and Diversity.  In this role he advises prospective and current transfer students. He also tables at various transfer events across the city and is a Teaching Assistant in the Diversity Scholar’s class. Jose has learned some incredible skills in his peer mentor role including speaking in front of large audiences and creating educational videos. He has also participated in a variety of other extracurricular experiences at the U. He has collaborated with a professor on a research project, has been a member of several national honor societies, and has attended a variety of national and international conferences.

Jose’s only regret is that he didn’t apply for more scholarships during his time at the U. He urges other transfer students to start looking into U or U scholarships in January or February of the year they plan to transfer.

He also advises transfer students to get involved on campus. He suggests finding clubs or an on-campus job as ways to build their resume and start developing valuable networks. He also suggests visiting the Career Services office early and often - http://careers.utah.edu/.  This office helps students develop a resume, use LinkedIn, sharpen networking skills and get a job after graduation.

Jose also strongly suggests that students get to know a Student Success Advocate during their first semester.  Student Success Advocates are academic “life coaches” who help U students deal with problems and achieve their educational and life goals: http://studentsuccess.utah.edu/advocates-home/.

Jose is committed to education and its transformational role in people’s lives. He loves the university environment and plans to go on for a graduate degree. He would like to eventually work in higher education.

Check out Jose’s excellent video promoting the Diversity Scholars Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm5pZi-PfZ8!