When all seniors in high school, or even juniors, think about their college experience, it hardly ever involves the thought of transferring schools. At least that's what I thought when I was a senior.

My senior year of high school I had my entire college career mapped out. I would go to the University of Central Oklahoma and major in Vocal Music Education with a minor in Psychology and I would rush in the fall. I would have all these amazing sisters to support me through my music career and when I graduated with my Undergrad, I would move on to my Doctorate in Choral Conducting and end up teaching at a University for the rest of my life. Want to know how much of that plan played out?

None.

That's right. None of my plans as a senior came true.

When I started my second semester of music classes, I started questioning if it was really the right profession for me. I looked around at my peers and saw how much they loved learning the theory and how much they looked forward to practicing their instrument, and I had none of that passion anymore. I was burnt out on it. I dreaded practicing piano, memorizing music, doing my theory homework. I hated every second of it. I was not getting any support from my music friends and I wasn't getting any support from my sisters, either. Now, I'm not calling anyone out, especially my sisters. Sometimes organizations just don't work out for you and that's OKAY. So, after my second semester was over, I decided to transfer back to the community college back home. There were multiple reasons why I decided to do that, but that's for later.

I knew that my year here was a year for learning and growth and I did just that.

I decided to try my hand at another semester at music just to see if it was a fluke with the school and those teachers. After that semester, I found my answer: music just wasn't for me. So, I decided to change my major to Psychology. I've already transferred once, what's changing my major gonna do? During this past semester, I went on a little road trip to Stillwater, Oklahoma - home of America's Brightest Orange. I fell totally IN LOVE with this school. I had to go to this school. So, fast forward to a few weeks ago. I am all accepted and ready to go at Stillwater and I have enrollment. But I was having doubts about my major, so I looked into some others. After some career counseling, I decided to switch my major AGAIN to Human Resource Management.

So, after all of this was said and done, what came out of it?

Whenever I tell people my story, I always joke around at how I should've just listened to my mom and gone to OSU in the first place. But I realized recently that if I had not gone through all of this struggle, I would not be where I am today. I would still be involved in my toxic friendships and relationship, and I would probably be doing a major I don't like just to graduate on time.

So, if you are a college student transferring schools for the first, second, or even third time, here are some things I have to say to you.

1. It is okay to be transferring solely based off of wanting to get away from a toxic environment. Whether that be from a toxic friendship, not having any support from your friends or teachers, or if something just feels off, I promise you that there is a University out there that will make you feel at home and that you'll love.

2. I promise that you are not alone!! There are people that are going on the same exact thing as you, so don't be discouraged!!

3. Once you find the right college for you, it is going to change how you viewed college in the first place. I have never been more excited for my classes, football games, or just for the campus life in general. Its a completely different feeling than I have felt at either of my other two schools.

I hope you find the right University for you because it will completely change your life! DO NOT HESITATE TO TRANSFER! It may just be the best thing you've ever decided to do.

xoxo and Go Pokes!