During my senior year of high school, I was accepted into a rather small local college whose tuition was next to nothing. Because of the low tuition costs and close location to my residence, I chose to attend that university for my freshman year of college.

My first two semesters at this university were some of the worst experiences of my life. Firstly, before I even began to attend classes, this particular institution would not allow any of the honors level courses I took in high school to count toward the courses I was required to take through them, regardless of the fact that they covered the exact same material. Secondly, I was lonely due to the extremely small student body in addition to not being a resident on campus. I felt like an outcast. Then, once I started to attend courses, I was bored due to already knowing the material and felt like my money was being wasted. The final straw for me was during my second semester, when I was helping the professor teach the course. No, I was not a Teacher’s Aid, however, I was a student who knew the material already, was forced to take the course again, and had a professor who didn’t necessarily know what they were doing. I longed to have a sense of pride and community with my fellow students during my college years, and I just was not receiving any of this at my first university.

Due to these events, during the summer leading into my sophomore year of college, I decided to transfer to the University of Delaware. On the day of my orientation, I immediately felt like I was part of something greater than myself.

During the first week of classes, I met my best friend. We shared the same introduction level class and quickly bonded over classwork and common interests. I realized through her that I didn’t need to forfeit a social life in order to succeed in school. She made me feel accepted and loved for just being myself.

In addition, University of Delaware provided me an abundance of opportunities. I have gotten hands on experience for my major that I could not have gotten anywhere else.

I am thankful every day that I made the decision to transfer schools. I am happier with my life today more than I have ever been. I have friends who support be every step of the way, a bright future ahead of me filled with possibilities, a fraternity full of fantastic people, and a job that I love. None of this would have ever been available to be if I hadn’t transferred to the University of Delaware.

As the saying goes, “if you are not happy, make a change.” I stand by this because I thought I would never be this happy, but I fought to get here. Make your life what you want it to be, don’t just sit and wait for something to change. You have to make yourself happy first and foremost.