What would you do if you were told that you could spend a year somewhere, but at the end of that year- you would leave to go somewhere else? Would you make as many friends and memories as possible, or would you stay inside all the time, afraid to make those connections before leaving? These are just some thoughts that go through a potential transfer student's head.
Last year, I applied to five schools, four of them were out-of-state and two were in Boston. I had known that I wanted to go to Boston University since I was 13. The city had everything I wanted; culture, water nearby, a love for hockey, and some tough individuals. It sounded like heaven to me. So when I finally visited the school, all my dreams were confirmed. I was head-over-heels for BU and Boston.
I decided to apply to the school, knowing there was a good chance I wouldn't get in. The acceptance rate was low, and my stats fell below all of their averages. I've been known to be stubborn, though, so I gave it a shot. I went to my favorite English teachers and begged for guidance on the application essays. English was already my favorite subject, but they had taught me everything I knew and I thought it was smart to go straight to the source.
Just as I assumed, I didn't get in. I was disappointed, but not devastated- as I saw this coming. I accepted the University of Cincinnati as my school and I felt satisfied. About a month later, I got an email from BU, saying that if I kept my grades up, they would take me as a "Guaranteed Transfer Student" for the next fall semester. By the grace of God, I got in by the skin on my teeth. I have no idea what happened, I shouldn't have gotten in, but I wasn't one to question it, either. I must've read the email 50 times before I said anything to my parents, just making sure it was true.
The decision was easy. Of course I would transfer. BU was my dream school. But, as I'm sure you have guessed, things got complicated. I have my own apartment at UC, living with my best friend. I've met people and friends here that have changed my life. Overall, life isn't terrible here, so why the hell would I leave?
I've always been one to push... and I've never felt like this was enough. I need excitement and adrenaline, endless possibilities and adventure. I don't always feel like UC provides that for me. Things have happened here, as well. Freshman year is hard, especially in a place like Clifton. There are times I'm afraid to leave my apartment and if you had watched someone get shot from your window- you would be too.
I'm chasing a dream, here. Trying to convince myself that I really am the person I think I am. I feel that I would regret the decision to stay, knowing of the opportunities in Boston. I also pride myself on my career and doing whatever it takes to be successful, and sometimes you have to make sacrifices in other departments... I just now that being "comfortable" scares me. Comfortable people stay in one place and are happy doing so, and that scares me more than the unknown that comes with being the opposite of "comfortable".
On the other hand, I have people that I care about at UC, and being further away from my family is nerve wracking. As you can see, I'm kind of split. I haven't actually made a decision yet and it's driving me crazy. I honestly wouldn't wish this much indecision on my worst enemy, but I know that I have to make a decision eventually. I just hope I make the right one.
