Nabin Shrestha UCLA, Applied Mathematics It was a great transition coming from my native Nepal and adjusting to the higher education system in the United States. When I first arrived in the Bay Area, I was unsure about my life. My original intent in coming to the U.S. was to study computer science, but I changed my major several times.  Attending College of San Mateo helped me adjust and make decisions – I finally decided to study mathematics.

My decision was influenced by my math instructor, Lena Feinman. She is an extraordinary teacher, mentor, boss and most importantly a mother figure for me. While I was in her linear algebra class, she asked if I would like to tutor at the Math Resource Center and later asked me to be a part of Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program and become an SI leader. I have learned greater skills and knowledge and gained a lot of confidence working with her. Serving as a tutor and an SI leader, I helped fellow students who were struggling with math; I found that very rewarding. Also, my work experience gave me an opportunity to know the math faculty very well and meet a lot of people from different backgrounds and with varied knowledge and interests.

During my years at CSM, I also volunteered in the EOPS center as a math tutor, became a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, and an Inter-Club Council representative for Spark Math Club. I have also taken advantage of the many activities offered through CSM’s Transfer Services including application workshops, university campus tours and counseling services.

CSM has been a safe haven and the perfect place for me to learn and grow. I believe attending CSM was the right decision for me. CSM is a place where both instructors and staff are ready to help students succeed. I have to admit that I would not have been as successful had I not attended CSM. The college has prepared me for the bigger arena. It has prepared me to transfer to one o the best public universities in the United States: UCLA. I am thankful to CSM for providing such wonderful faculty and staff who are always ready to help students thrive and I am appreciative of the opportunities it has offered me in the transfer process.