Being a transfer student isn't exactly what everyone thinks of when they think "the college experience."
I never got the freshman year housing, the freshman year rushing, the freshman year friends, the new freshman photo, just being a freshman in general.
Instead, I went to a community college, basically the county high school. Everyone knew everyone. With exception of the sports teams, that got players from all over. The same drama was there, the same relationships, the same faces. I'll tell you the truth, I went there because it was free. I didn't pay a dime to that school.
How could I pass that up?
Well, it wasn't my choice. My dad pretty much made me go, but still not a single dime. That's when you have to make a decision to save money or take the experiences. Do I regret it? I still haven't figured that out.
The good thing about it was I did cheerleading. If I didn't I probably would have hated it even more.
Sophomore year I got to pick schools to apply to. I honestly had no idea where to go, I just applied to anywhere close. I got into most of the schools and still couldn't decide. I literally randomly pointed to one and said here I go!
That's when I became an SIUE Cougar. Yes, I've heard every cougar joke possible. When I told people about my school, no one really knew what it was. But I was excited.
I had random roommates and lived in on campus housing for upper classman. And I knew NO ONE. My parents and boyfriend at the time helped me move in. I remember being so nervous yet excited on my first day of classes. It wasn't long before I met my first friend, Victoria. That girl saved me.
Victoria took me under her wing like a mama bird would. She was also a transfer student. What are the odds? She told me she was rushing and asked if I was. I hadn't even thought about rushing. I never pictured myself as the sorority type. Small town stereotypes are to thank for that. Anyway, she convinced me to rush. She invited me to her house, let me borrow clothes, and we rushed together!
Let me tell you, if you are new to a school and don't know anyone, RUSH ! You won't regret it I promise. It saved me.
The worst part about being a transfer student is that once you get comfortable, you have to leave. 2 years may seem like a lot of time, but in reality, it's way too short. I was tempted to get another major just to stay longer! I wasn't ready to leave at all. Some people wish they could relive high school, but I would much rather relive college! It was the time of my life.
Sometimes you feel left out, seeing people that have known each other their whole life. But then again it's only because you are out of your comfort zone. It's ok to feel that way!
One of the best parts of being a transfer student was actually not knowing anyone. Being new. Sometimes it's scary, but sometimes it's fun. The feeling of being a fresh face. Being able to portray yourself however you want. It's pretty cool.
All in all, I did my time. I had my parties, my crazy stories, my nights in, my nights doing homework till 4 a.m., the good times, the bad times, the whole college experience.
