For students who are looking to transfer to UCLA, a helping hand is right around the corner.

David Portillo, who is on campus Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Student Services Building, is available for students who make appointments or students who drop by.

Many students, including Danielle Washington, 23, English and African American studies major, has questions for Portillo who said that he wants to be the bridge between the EC students and UCLA.

“I want to know exactly what I have to take,” Washington said. “I want to know if there’s anything more that I can do. Next semester is my last.”

Washington, like many students, said she is heading towards her goal of going on to a four-year college.

With the recent number of budget cuts and decreased staffing, it’s more difficult to transfer to universities, Portillo said.

He said he is well aware of what it’s like to attend a community college because he went to EC, transferred to UCLA and graduated.

“I was working hard to get good grades and I knew I needed more information,” Portillo said.

“At the time I was here, I had great instructors and counselors. I had such positive people working with me. They wouldn’t let me believe I couldn’t do what it took,” he added.

Portillo said he has made a commitment, with the Center for Community Colleges Partnerships (CCCP), to be on campus to be available for the future of other students who started attending a community college just like him.

He said he has a few ideas for those wishing to follow in his footsteps: get good grades and then keep the GPA as high as possible.

“CCCP is an outreach for first generation college students, especially low-income students,” Portillo said. “To become a part of CCCP is a great plan. Throughout the year there are many programs going on, and emails always keeping students up to date with what’s going on at UCLA.”

Kelsey Iino, counselor, said she is grateful that Portillo is available for students on campus who need help with transfers and she said his arrival comes at a time when it is really necessary.

“As a counselor, I’m appreciative of the services he provides, especially during a time when student services are being cut so drastically,” Iino said.

Portillo said that nothing should get in the way of the students moving on to higher education.

“I’m booked for the next two weeks,” Portillo said. “But students can come by, fill out cards for email updates. Someone was there for me and I’m happy to be able to pass the good work on.