First-gen student utilizes MyPath2ASU to help navigate transfer process

First-generation transfer student Ludwig Lopez credits his family for inspiring him to further his academic pursuits upon completion of high school.

“My motivation in pursuing higher education comes from my family. They have worked so hard to get me to this point, and it's my job to continue fighting. I also want to inspire my niece and nephew, who are still young, to learn about the amazing opportunities pursuing higher education has and what it could offer them in the future,” Lopez said.

Beginning first at Arizona Western College, he said he realized that beginning his pursuit of higher education at a community college was a more practical option, “as is it was less expensive and allowed me to find additional scholarships to transfer to a university.”

Later, Lopez utilized MyPath2ASU to further help him navigate his transfer degree requirements and ensure he was taking the right courses. Today, he has successfully transferred into the Business (Global Logistics Management), BA degree program with an emphasis on international trade at Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business.

An honor student while at Arizona Western College, Lopez was also accepted into Barrett, The Honors College at ASU, an achievement that he is very proud of as Barrett has been named the best honors program in the nation. Here, Ludwig shares more about his journey to ASU and his future pursuits.

Question: Were you involved in any clubs or organizations at your community college? If so, please share which one(s) and how your participation impacted your community college experience.

Answer: I was part of Phi Theta Kappa, which is an honors society at Arizona Western College. One of the projects this society participated in was to volunteer in the local food bank. We helped many families by packaging food that was donated there. This felt extremely rewarding to me.

Q: Why (and when) did you choose your major?

A: I chose my major because it brings two of my favorite topics together, which are business and the amazing cultures around the world. This has always fascinated me as it provides a new experience by solving problems. 

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: ASU is one of the most affordable universities in Arizona. I also chose it because it is not too far from home and I can visit my family often.

Q: How did MyPath2ASU help you?

A: MyPath2ASU was an excellent tool to use as it helped me know the specific requirements for my major. It also made it easier to plan my classes in college in order for my credits to transfer smoothly to ASU. 

Q: What have you enjoyed most about your ASU experience so far?

A: The learning environment at ASU is wonderful. Professors are incredible to work with and are easily approachable.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to a new transfer student?

A: The idea of starting a new school maybe be daunting, especially if you are a first-generation student. However, don’t let this be the motive to stop you from pursuing your dreams. They are worth fighting for.

Q: What are your plans after you graduate with your bachelor's degree?

A: I'm planning on pursuing a master's in supply chain management at ASU. However, I´m also planning on traveling abroad to widen my experience in the global environment.