“How many times a week do you cry?” I was asked that question by my older sister when I was deciding if I wanted to transfer colleges at the end of my first semester. As unpleasant as that time was for me and how hard it is for me to talk about this, it is the question that brought me back to reality to realize how unhappy I truly was at my previous school. But, I write this in hopes that I can influence others to have the courage to make the choice to try and make themselves happy.
The first school I decided to attend I thought was my ultimate dream school, and in a sense, it was. Shortly after I moved in though, I realized that maybe it wasn't exactly what I wanted at that time. I was far from home and it was hard for me to leave so many things and people behind that I knew I would not see for months at a time. I liked the school, but I didn't love it. I had a bad roommate experience and put so much pressure on myself to get straight As in my classes, I became overwhelmed and constantly stressed out. Before I realized it, I was miserable. I saw so many others who were happy at this school and enjoying their time, that I was convinced that one day I would feel totally happy being there.
When the ultimate happiness was not coming, I started realizing that maybe I needed to make a change in my life. It was very hard for me to accept that I had picked the wrong school. I felt like a failure and that I was giving up on my dreams. I applied to West Chester University, not really with the hope to be accepted because I wanted to go there, but rather so I could have a backup plan, just in case. When I was accepted though, I was face to face with having to make a decision that would completely change my life. I didn’t want to transfer because I felt like a failure and that I was giving up. I wanted to keep attending my current college with the hope I would suddenly fall in love with it. But when my sister asked me that question, I knew what I should do. I would have never made it through that rough first semester or had the courage to leave my first college had it not been for the support of family, friends, and even some teachers, so to them, I say thank you!
West Chester University is actually a school I told myself I would never want to attend. But boy was I wrong! I was terrified to start over at a brand new school, but thanks to a high school friend, he took me under his wing, introduced me to his great group of friends, and made sure I was settling in without any issues. Thanks to him and everything he did for me, I quickly made friends, and West Chester quickly started feeling like home. So to my amazing friend Mike, I cannot thank you enough for everything! I also promised myself I would put myself out there more at this school, and I did!
I know that this is my own personal story about transferring, but I just want to stress the fact that it is OK to transfer. I know how awful it can be to feel as if you made the wrong choice, but that is OK too. You can try and plan out your entire life, but everything may not go exactly as you had planned it, and again, there is nothing wrong with that. This is another very hard lesson that I had to learn as I went through the transferring process. What is most important, is that you make yourself happy and if something is making you unhappy, make a change. I am very happy now and while I wish things had worked out for me at my first school, I am happy I made the decision to come home, attend a different school that I now love, and just take some time to better myself. Now that I have, I can focus more on the future and what exactly I want to do with my life. I do not have all the answers right now, but I know I will figure it out in time. I hope in writing this, I can help others and provide insight to those who may be going through a hard time similar to what I went through myself. Remind yourself that you should be smiling more than crying, and that everything happens for a reason!
