Tag: commuter and transfer student

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Reveal Your Past. Stop The Stigma.

I think I need to come clean with you guys…

I’m not just a college commuter, but also a transfer student.

Now it’s not that I was trying to hide that I once went to another school from you guys. Believe me I talk about it a lot. It just hasn’t come up yet, but I think now is the time. We need to show a little love to our fellow transfer students.

In my opinion, college commuters are not the only ones who can get the short end of the stick; transfers do too. And in many cases transfers are also commuters, even though some opt to live on campus. Hi to all of my fellow transfers/commuters!

There are a couple of different kinds of transfers.

There are ones who went to another college originally and decided to switch because maybe they didn’t like it there anymore and decided to go somewhere else. There are also ones who originally went to community colleges and decided to transfer to get a 4-year degree. They then had to decide whether to live on campus or not. I think you know what I’ve chosen by now.

Regardless of what a transfer chooses, the stereotypes still tend to follow.

Have you ever heard of a transfer not being as smart or taking the easy way out? I have. Even if you’ve never said it or thought it, I’m sure you’ve seen it; just look at the media.

It’s saddens me because we’ve done nothing wrong. Many times colleges just don’t work out for certain students and instead of paying the $40,000 to go there, why not transfer to a place that’s more beneficial. Now that I would consider smart.

Even for community college transfers, like myself, why not save your money and get your common core classes done along with figuring out what you really want to do for only a fraction of what other colleges make you pay. For me, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do, so I didn’t want to spend thousands of dollars when I could just go to community college and try to figure it out there.

And before you say oh you took the simple way out, just keep in mind that I had to live a regular life (since I was a commuter) which included a job and being a full-time student, all while keeping a 4.0 GPA and still receiving excellence awards.

In fact, when being a transfer student there is no easy way, even with tip sheets. Advisors may help some by giving students forms to make the transfer process “easier”, but you still need to be accepted. Even if the acceptance process is smooth, that doesn’t guarantee that all your hard work will get transferred over. I know when I went to WSU I had to take another math class EWWW and take a lot of intro courses for my new major because my previous major was considered more of a concentration. Has anyone else experienced this?

It’s been a long journey, but what doesn’t make it easier is not having the appreciation or acceptance for us. Sure we may not have been original Owls, Vikings, Cougars, Raptors, etc. but we are now and we should be treated as any other student ready to learn and conquer the world.

I remember seeing how my acceptance day went compared to what I saw for the freshman coming in; it was as if I went to a completely different school. For me it was all information and getting your paperwork handed in and maybe a quick tour. But for freshman, it was as if the Pope came in. They had their information sessions, but with all sorts of fun events too. I don’t know if it was because I transferred during the winter break or if the school feels that being a part of the community is not necessary. I just think a little more appreciation can go a long way if you want people to come and be apart of your school.

Sure as time goes by people may not realize that you were a transfer student. They still know you’re a commuter though, lol. But there are still issues that come up from time to time. Like having to take a weird intro class. Or being in an advanced class and having to let your teacher know that you took the intro class at another school, so the old material you should know may be different to you. Now that has happened to me a lot.

All I’m saying is that we are all different; living different lives, going on different paths, we learn and do things differently. We should know by now to just accept that and to value everyone equally. I shouldn’t have to feel judged because I went to another school and learned different material than what is being presented at my new school, or to feel unwanted at an acceptance day. I just hope that people would be glad that they can take me under their wing and help me gain more knowledge and be a part of the school just like them.

If I can give you at least one piece of advice, it would be to not judge a book by it’s cover. Be kind to people, accept one another, don’t just assume that because someone is a transfer, a college commuter, or anything else that is not the “normal” college resident that they are less than you. And that goes for everyone too. Commuters I want you to be nice too. Instead, learn about each other and from each other. The more one understands, the more the stigma about anyone can get diminished.

And to my fellow transfers/ transfer-commuters, I may not know everything you have gone through or how you exactly feel, but I’m sure at some level we have both gone through some similar battles of either not being accepted, or having class troubles, etc.. Just know that you’re not alone; there are so many transfer students out there you just need to find them. And remember, you are doing your best, just like many others, and that’s all you need to do; keep it up!

This blog is to not only bring college commuters together, but to also bring every type of college student together; transfer, resident, whatever. This is a place for stories to be shared and for understanding and acceptance to happen. If no one speaks up, then nothing will happen. So I encourage you to tell your stories; who are you; what are you going through; who do you want to be; tell us!

If that’s not enough, go to your counselors and tell them how you feel. Better yet, talk to your admissions office to let them know your concerns and what ways they can help improve students’ experiences. Maybe that transfer acceptance day will get better!

I’m proud to be a college transfer and a college commuter because it has shaped me into the person I am today and I should be happy about that, regardless of what people, schools, media or stereotypes say. Who are you proud to be? Come clean!