Orientation 2008 for Transfer Students
My Transfer Experience
by Lauren Wallace
I
had high expectations coming to Westmont. By the time I transferred
here in the spring of my sophomore year, I was sure this was where
God wanted me. I felt full of anticipation and confidence. Both
of my parents graduated from Westmont, and had been telling me
exciting stories of their “college days” since I was a little girl. My
sister had just graduated from Biola, and college had been some of the
best years of her life.
I made several mistakes that contributed to a difficult first semester.
I came with such a concrete idea of what college "should" be, that I
wasn't able to appreciate the unexpected things my experience at
Westmont entailed. I wish I had gotten involved at school sooner and
begun pursuing friendships instead of just waiting for them to happen.
My second semester I was able to join the Westmont Activities and
Clubs Council (WACC), and it has been one of the most significant
events of my time at Westmont. Getting plugged into the college itself
has given me such a greater appreciation for Westmont as a school,
and the people I have gotten to know as a result of my involvement
with WACC are some of my closest friends.
As part of WACC, I am in charge of activities for transfer and
consortium students. It has been so meaningful to be able to share my
own experience as a transfer with other students just beginning the
transition.
The two most significant pieces of advice I could offer would be
to get involved, and not get discouraged if it takes longer than expected
to feel at home. I would encourage transfers to take advantage of the
activities Westmont offers, and to go to the events and meet other new
students right away. I think it can be easy to expect that at a small
school like Westmont everyone gets to know everyone else right away.
This is not always the case and it can look like a daunting task to really
become a part of the community. As a transfer, it seemed like everyone
else was established and had close relationships. The greatest encouragement
I can give to anyone who finds himself or herself in a similar position
is that Westmont is a place that makes an intentional effort to provide
a forum for all interests and personalities. It may take some patience,
but the opportunities for relationships and learning are here. Look for
ways to get involved with the life on campus, and Westmont will begin
to feel like home.