Sometimes, the course of your life can change in the length of an elevator ride

At Bryn Mawr’s Admitted Student Reception in Los Angeles, hosted by Tyler Garber ’14 on the 25th floor of her law firm’s building, sweeping views of downtown LA provided the backdrop for an evening of conversation and connection.

Two prospective students entered the same elevator car with their parents. Elize Hernandez came with her mother, fresh from attending Bryn Mawr’s admitted students’ day the week before and already excited about the College. Andrea Vargas Ontiveros arrived with her father and was still weighing her options.

The families had another connection, too. Ontiveros’ father lives and works in Mexico and had driven up from Mexico to accompany her to the event. Speaking little English, he was grateful to discover that Hernandez’s mother was bilingual.

As the elevator climbed, the two families began talking. By the time they reached the 25th floor, they had decided to stick together for the evening, with Hernandez’s mother helping translate so everyone could participate fully.

By the end of the evening, Ontiveros had made her decision; she would commit to Bryn Mawr. She and Hernandez were fast friends and had decided to become roommates before they boarded the elevator again.