We are celebrating National Transfer Student Week! Check out these stories from WCC faculty and staff who were previous transfer students. Get plugged into transfer!
Kendra Faulkner, Information Technology Instructor & Advisor
What inspired you to choose the college transfer pathway?
I was inspired to choose the college transfer pathway for several reasons. I was unsure about exactly what I wanted to major in. I live in Louisburg, NC, which is the hometown of Louisburg College, the oldest two-year junior college in the United States that has a strong history of college transfer success. I also wanted and needed to bring up my grades from high school. My parents encouraged me to start at Louisburg College and then go anywhere I wanted from there!
What benefits did you experience as a college transfer student?
I experienced several benefits as a college transfer student. I was able to attend classes close to home with smaller groups of students and very supportive faculty members. It was much less overwhelming and intimidating than a traditional university would have been for me at the time. I was able to get a truly fresh start, as I knew that my high school grade history would not matter once I transferred to my desired college or university. I also had access to writing and math labs for individualized tutoring and attention. All of these things got me on my feet and strengthened me as a student, and prepared me for being a college junior and senior.
What advice would you give to current college transfer students?
My advice to current college transfer students is to aim high! Don’t worry about your previous course history. Don’t worry about where you’re from. Look at where you will go! Now is the perfect time for a fresh start. Go for all A’s just to prove to yourself that you CAN and you WILL. I had never made straight A’s before (well, except maybe 2nd grade). I was determined to see if I could do it. I did, and kept it up for four more years! Get those general education courses behind you. I was not strong in biology and chemistry, but in the smaller classes, I did very well. Also, enjoy the variety of general education courses that you are required to take. Allow them to make you a well-rounded student and adult!
Meg Lindsay, Adjunct English Instructor
What inspired you to choose the college transfer pathway?
It was so much more affordable to take the same classes I’d be taking at a university. I also loved the idea of smaller classes where instructors really got to know their students and help was so readily available for such a huge transition in my educational career.
What benefits did you experience as a college transfer student?
I actually found that as a junior transferring to UNCW, I had a much better foundation built than many of my peers who had started at a university. I also found that my community college instructors remembered me and were still willing to help me on my journey even after I graduated.
What advice would you give to current college transfer students?
Ask your advisor all of your questions; they are there to help! Take advantage of your small classes and know everyone around you. Use this time to build that really strong foundation of knowing how to manage your time wisely with multiple classes/responsibilities and being comfortable seeking help when you need it. And don’t hesitate to send your WCC faculty and staff your university graduation announcement when the time comes; we will remember you, celebrate with you, and be so proud of you!
Stephanie Meadows, Accounting Instructor & Master Advisor
What inspired you to choose the college transfer pathway?
I needed to research other options for higher education because going straight to a four-year school was extremely expensive. Attending a community college allowed me to live at home, continue to work, and receive financial aid to pay for my classes and textbooks. The college transfer pathway allowed me to transfer to a four-year school later and earn the same degree as everyone else in my program. I saved a tremendous amount of money!
What benefits did you experience as a college transfer student?
Easy access to instructors, smaller class sizes, lower costs, work study opportunities, and a shorter commute.
What advice would you give to current college transfer students?
Decide where you want to transfer to and seek guidance from an admissions counselor at that four-year university. The admissions counselor will point you in the correct direction when it comes to electives and some specific course selections. Staying in contact with an admissions counselor at the four-year school will help to ensure that you transfer in on schedule and as a junior in the program you choose.
Jesse Sykes, Special Populations Counselor
What inspired you to choose the college transfer pathway?
I was in the first class of early college students in NC in 2005. We were visited in our middle schools and told about this cool new program where you could get an associate’s degree in high school. I have always enjoyed school, so I decided to apply. We had the option of an Associate in Arts or Science degree — a lot has changed since then for early college and college transfer programs!
What benefits did you experience as a college transfer student?
Being a college transfer student at a community college really gave me the skills I needed and taught me what college was like before I went to a four-year school. It taught me how to organize my priorities, advocate for myself with teachers/staff and ask for help, and overall improved my academic knowledge and skill set. I was accepted to UNC Chapel Hill, and I believe that my college transfer experience not only helped me get accepted but also allowed me to be successful once I was there. I knew I was responsible for seeking out my teachers, asking questions, networking with others, etc., and I learned those skills as a transfer student.
What advice would you give to current college transfer students?
I would say not to stress about what your next step is. It is good to know those next steps, but don’t let that overshadow where you are now. Focus on your present experiences and enjoy/learn from them. Ask for help. You think it’s a silly question? Doesn’t matter—ask anyway. If you don’t understand class material—go to office hours and ask questions. Use your current classes and workload to figure out an organizational system that works for you. Figure out which subjects may be easier or harder for you and try to improve your understanding and skill set accordingly. All of these things will help you be more sure of yourself and successful when you take on the next adventure of a four-year school.
Nikehchi Woherem, Business Administration Instructor
What inspired you to choose the college transfer pathway?
In high school, I was admitted to my colleges of choice, but decided not to attend. I opted to remain home and enter the workforce to assist a disabled parent. The community college track was recommended as an alternative option.
What benefits did you experience as a college transfer student?
The flexible course schedule and convenient campus location allowed me to attend classes around a full-time work schedule. The instructors were extremely encouraging and understanding of the demands of my workload. Also, the faculty-to-student ratio cultivated a great learning environment. And the low tuition costs made it much more affordable.
What advice would you give to current college transfer students?
Try to establish a major, final school destination, and career path as early as possible. Work closely with your advisor to select the courses which best align with your plan prior to matriculation.