Transfers require open mind, initiative

By Aida Luu     2/25/10 6:00pm

Transitions are never easy, especially transitioning mid-year into a completely unfamiliar environment and leaving behind everything you know. This is what I went through last month when I transferred to Rice.I knew, being a mid-year transfer, that I was coming into an unfamiliar territory where social groups were already sorted out, the general university procedures understood. In addition to adjusting to a new academic structure, I imagined feeling increased academic pressure as I worked to secure transfer credits.

As I stepped on campus for the first time, I found myself instantly enamored by the ambiance: the grand archways and architecture, the helpful and friendly people and the courses taught by prestigious faculty at the top of their fields. Though Rice has many distinct traditions, its college system is among one of its top draws. I've been here for less than two months, but I already feel the camaraderie and love college members have for one another. At Lovett College, I truly feel like we are a family. Every member of the college has a place here, and even though I'm still trying to find my role, I can already tell I'm going to love being here for the next two years.

Rice University is as different from the State University of New York, Stony Brook, my alma mater, as it gets. Stony Brook is a large state university located in Long Island, N.Y., with roughly 16,000 undergraduate students. For the cost of tuition, it is a great school, but with the large student body, I often felt like just another number. I was never particularly unhappy there and had a lot of friends, but I always felt like there was something missing. I wasn't unusual in this regard: I often heard other students say they wanted to transfer out as soon as they could.

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At some point last semester, something clicked inside me and I realized I shouldn't have to settle for anything. I should be completely happy, even if this meant moving elsewhere. I did some research and came to realize Rice was where I wanted to be. The quirky traditions, the college system, the ambitious and diverse student body, combined with stellar academics - I couldn't think of a school that was more compatible with my needs. Even now, I can honestly say that Rice is the college experience I've always wanted. In the past two months, I've developed a love for the school that far surpasses my affection for Stony Brook. Though Brooklyn will always be in my heart, I have established deep friendships here and consider this place my home.

In an effort to use my experiences to help other transfers, I joined the recently formed Transfer Student Association. The group aims to address the issues transfers face when entering Rice, and although not officially approved by the Student Association yet, it has outlined several strategies to integrate these students into the university culture. Certain concerns unique to transfers, from peer mentoring to housing, are inevitably glossed over or ignored during orientation, and we hope to provide an additional means of support. The university helped ease the transition for me upon my arrival, and provided much-needed help and guidance. I hope to give that back to future transfers.

During my Orientation Week last month, Dean of Undergraduates Robin Forman said one especially memorable thing - I've often thought of this when in new situations. "Make the first move," he said. "It will make all the difference in the world." It sounds so simple, yet so many people don't bother to do it. I understand why he would say that to a group of mid-year transfers, because everyone is more or less settled in after one semester. If we want to be a part of something, we have to make the effort.

I used to be the type of person who didn't like to make the first move because I didn't see the point. But since I've come to Rice, I have really put myself out there, and Forman's advice still reverberates with me. I have come to realize this is actually a great mentality to have. Life doesn't just hand you things: You have to work for them. This goes the same for meeting people. Everyone already has their place here, so if you want to be a part of it, you have to work for it and earn your place.

The advice I have to give to students still struggling to find their place here is to be open, say yes and embrace all the opportunities that come your way. College is the time to take chances and make discoveries. I took a chance coming here, hoping I would find what I was looking for. It paid off. After all, the greater the risk, the greater the returns.

Aida Luu is a Lovett College sophomore.

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