Major: Sociology
Hometown: Ludington, Michigan
Where did you transfer from? West Shore Community College
Why did you choose to transfer to the University of Michigan? I chose to transfer to the University of Michigan because of the broad networking opportunities, hands-on learning experiences, diversity, and expertise in my field. Additionally, I found U-M’s financial aid to greatly exceed that which was offered through other institutions.
Based on your personal experience, what is the one thing you want to tell new transfer students? I would want all new transfer students to know that meeting new people and making meaningful connections will be one of the most influential factors in determining your success in the University. Whether the people you meet are simply networking opportunities or they turn into close friends, you won’t regret putting yourself out there and expanding your community. Additionally, I would suggest that incoming students exchange contact information as often as possible. You never know who may be your next close friend!
How did you make friends and meet other students on campus? I made friends by introducing myself to people at various student events. Particularly during Welcome Week, everybody is wanting to make friends and an act as simple as introducing yourself and exchanging contact information can, and often does, lead to friendship. Beyond introducing myself to strangers at Welcome Week events, I also had a couple of close friends who transferred into U-M at the same time as I. Joining clubs, study groups, and talking with classmates have also been successful social strategies, particularly in my upper-level courses.
What is your favorite part about being an LSA transfer student? My favorite part about being an LSA transfer student is the abundance of support available through our advisors, professors and instructors, and Opportunity Hub. Additionally, LSA hosts many social and professional development events which help us to acclimate to the U-M community and beyond.
What do you know now that you wished you knew before transferring to the University of Michigan? I wish that I knew the importance of asking peers about different resources they’ve used. It can be difficult to know and keep track of what resources are available, particularly for niche needs. I’ve found that talking with peers has introduced me to quite a few resources that are less popular on campus due to their niche role. For example, I was introduced to the Blavin Scholars Program through a close friend and, although I’d never heard of it before, it turned out to be incredibly influential in my continued success on campus.
Why did you choose your specific major(s)? I chose to study sociology because I’m a pre-law student and intend to practice public sector law. Sociology seemed like a good first step because it teaches us about the intersectionality of identities, as well as how our interactions with various cultures, economic statuses, and institutions influence our behavior. Understanding these concepts will help me to better understand my clients and the factors which may influence them. Additionally, it helps me to understand the social and institutional factors which may influence me, and helps me to be self-aware of my own actions.
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