Brisa Alonso Perez got a head start at SBCC by attending as a dual enrollment student in 2018, while she was at San Marcos High School. She started full-time in 2022 as an SBCC Promise student.
“During my two years at SBCC, I was able to earn four associate degrees,” Brisa said. “The SBCC Promise has been a big advantage, as it provided me with an outstanding college education without the worry about how I would be able to afford it. By covering all of the costs of tuition, fees, books and supplies, the program took a huge weight off of me and my parents’ shoulders.”
A first-generation college student, Brisa graduated in 2024 with degrees sociology, Chicana/o studies, arts and humanities, and social and behavioral sciences, and plans to transfer to a four-year university.
Brisa says she had amazing professors and counselors at SBCC who guided and supported her throughout her college journey so far. She was able to build relationships and enjoy support from people she knows will always be there for her, even after she transfers.
“I truly enjoyed my time at SBCC,” she said. “Not only because of the beautiful campus, but because of the community. I had great professors who cared about their students, and I was surrounded by knowledgeable and supportive staff who helped me get into amazing universities: UCLA, UCB, USC, UCI, UCSB.” Brisa participated in the honors program and was also part of the Transfer Achievement Program (TAP), designed to help students make a smooth transition from SBCC to a four-year university.
“The TAP program very helpful. I met amazing counselors who guided me and supported me with anything I needed to transfer,” Brisa said. “They also helped me with college applications, and applying for scholarships by writing letters of recommendation, and supporting me whenever I had any questions or concerns throughout my education. As a first-gen, being in the TAP program was tremendously helpful because I was able to talk with people who could guide me in pursuing higher education, especially when I was unsure about what I had to do, or how things worked.”
Brisa transferred to UC Santa Barbara in fall 2024. She looks forward to continuing her educational journey and a career, knowing she’s well prepared with all that she’s learned at SBCC.