For those of you who do not know, this week is National Transfer Student Awareness Week (October 19-23). As a transfer student there are a lot of hidden challenges, we face that non-transfer students do not experience. As you may know already, I am a proud transfer student and advocate for other transfer students. Even with the experiences I had as a transfer student, I would not trade the experiences I had at Northampton Community College (NCC) to start at one college and be there until I graduate.
The main reason transfer students find themselves transferring is for financial or social reasons. I find myself being an example of both. I started at NCC to save money on tuition and room and board until I earned my associate degree. I knew after two years at NCC I would need to transfer to a 4-year university in order to complete my bachelor’s degree. It was due to the social issues that I transferred another time. When I went to Dickinson College to start my third year of school, I struggled to fit in socially due to being a transfer student. I found it difficult to find similarities and connect with the other students there due to my educational background and socio-economic level. However, that is just my story. I am sure each of you reading this have your own personal transfer story and I invite you to share it in the comments section.
Sometimes all it takes to find success is to change your perspective. Having a growth mindset, and changing the negatives into opportunities for positive change can make a world of difference. One of the biggest challenges transfer students face comes with the credit transfer process, and some credits not being accepted. However, this may provide you with the opportunity to take additional courses you find interesting, and since you are transferring, you are now at a school that is a better fit for you and that is the most important thing. Depending on what school you transfer to, there might be some transfer shock and/or culture shock. However, when you overcome those challenges you will be much stronger because of your experiences. It is a perfect opportunity for some personal growth, and learn more about yourself.
Another common negative thought about transferring is you have to leave behind the people and connections you made and have to start over. However, this simply provides you with another opportunity to expand your network and make additional connections. You can also choose to reinvent yourself, make new friends, try new things, etc. The new campus is your oyster. Despite being the “new kid on the block” and coming a little bit late to the party, attending community college first has great benefits. Aside from the monetary savings, community colleges can provide students with more one on one interactions through smaller class sizes, research opportunities, clubs, and mentorships. NCC provided me with such a strong educational foundation and helped me learn what I wanted to gain from college. Because of my experiences at NCC, I knew I wanted to be involved on campus and have connections with faculty and staff at my next college. When I was not seeing those opportunities become available to me at Dickinson, then I knew I had to make a switch and find a school that would provide me with those opportunities. I personally learned more about myself while I was at community college than I have learned about myself while at a four-year university.
If you are interested in getting involved at a national level with supporting fellow transfer students, please go to the National Institute for the study of Transfer Students (NITS). Through the NITS, you can connect with transfer students across the country and attend conferences.
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