Words of Wisdom

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Words of wisdom for all students that plan on transferring

By Jesse Bishop
Staff Writer

Many students have spent their time here at Georgia Highlands College preparing to move on. In the spirit of that motif, I have some words of wisdom for all students planning to transfer.

For those students that do not know me, I am a former FC student now attending the State University of West Georgia (UWG), but I am also taking a class here at FC as a transient student. I can offer insight into the transfer process and, hopefully, ease some of the inevitable headaches that come with moving to a new school.

After a student has chosen a school to transfer to, the first step in easing the transition is to meet the department chair. This will be the person students will turn to throughout their collegiate careers. Also, get to know some of the other faculty members, but more importantly, get to know the adviser.

I can't tell you how essential getting to know people is. Keep this in mind: It's not what you know, but who you know. This statement is probably the most truthful phrase I have ever heard.

Now, the second thing in transferring to a new school is to have fun. This is college. Look around; there are many people who are not enjoying themselves. Don't be one of those people. Have fun, become active in the campus community and make friends that can help with the transition.

It does not matter where a student transfers to; every time at every new place is an adventure. Treat it that way. Of the people I know, the most successful are members of different campus organizations, such as the newspaper, SGA and various awareness groups. These things matter, and they will help with the changing lifestyle that students will encounter. Trust me on this one; the lifestyle of every transfer student will change.

FC is a great place, but it is small. Many of the four-year schools around the Southeast are much larger. Be prepared for this increase in students and decrease in one-on-one time with professors.

This leads in to my third and final point. Students should make sure they are mentally prepared for the change. The change from a two-year college to four-year university is a tough one, but it is well worth the time and effort it requires.

Students should remember to get their names out and about in their respective fields, to prepare mentally for the upcoming changes, but above all else, have fun with the new experience.