For the first time in years, I am the new kid. I am living in a new city, enrolled in a new school and swimming in a sea of new faces. Cemented friendships, limited parking and my wise decision to live in a dorm (which is another story in itself) all came flying at me at shocking speeds. To say that I am ‘out of my element’ is an understatement.
Because I received a scholarship to pay for two years at my local community college, I decided to go there first, and then transfer to a four year university after obtaining my Associate’s degree. After being accepted to the University of Central Florida and Florida A&M University, I ultimately decided to take the plunge and become a Florida Gator.
I knew that coming in as a transfer student was not going to be easy, but nothing prepared me for what was to come. Even though I am grateful for the few acquaintances I do have here, there’s nothing like having real, true friends. At first I was so excited to step out of my box and now, well, not so much. I’ve already put two years in college, yet I feel like a freshman here. Not cool.
Ryan Randall, a journalism major, decided to transfer to UF after two years at Brevard Community College, and even though he was a Gator in spirit long before his acceptance letter, nothing could have quite prepared him for his first week in the Swamp.
“The first week was crazy. I was kind of swamped in the Swamp!” said, Ryan.
A struggle for Ashley Lombardo, a junior/transfer from Sante Fe Community College, was just getting used to the new environment.
“It was a struggle getting used to how everything works,” said Lombardo, “The campus, the bus routes and it seems as if everybody knows everybody.”
An obstacle for Tonny Harris, a UCF transfer student, was his new and challenging schedule and a bit of homesickness.
“Since I took all of the basic requirements to earn my AA degree, my schedule is full of nothing but difficult core courses left to take,” said Tonny. “Of course I miss my family but I see them more often than I thought so it's not bad. I came over here with hardly any friends but I'm slowly meeting new people and making new friends.”
When asked what UF could do to make the transition a bit smoother, Ryan and Ashley both agreed that the university should hold an event exclusively for transfer students.
“They should create some kind of organization or event where old transfer students could help new ones,” said Ryan.
“Something where transfer students could meet other transfer students, so you don’t feel like a lone fish,” added Ashley.
However all transfer stories are not sad ones.
Tim McCall, a senior Sociology major at USF made his transfer transition last year. He decided to start his college career at a community college because he was able to keep a part-time job, cheaper tuition and take easier, smaller classes. The new environment, diversity and daily activities on campus are what he likes most about being a transfer student.
“My personal transition was a breeze. I earned my A.A. Degree within two years and now currently working on my Bachelors of Social Work,” he said.
Essentially, we are all starting a chapter in life, and I am proud to be a Gator, despite the occasional wave of homesickness. I know that I can’t always live in my comfort zone. The “new kid” challenge that I am going through will only prepare me to become stronger and more independent. Life is all about new beginnings, and this is my first.
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