Samford University | Art, Technology, and Culture & Visual Communications
As a high school senior, Brian toured colleges across the country but struggled to define what he wanted in a university. He eventually enrolled at a small private school, but it ultimately wasn’t the right fit. A spontaneous internet search for “schools where students are happy” led him to the University of Oklahoma.
“When I visited, everything changed,” he said. “For the first time, I could picture myself thriving academically, socially, and professionally.”
Since transferring to OU, Brian has embraced campus life with purpose. He serves on the Provost’s Transfer Student Advisory Board, helping advocate for the needs of transfer students. He has taken on leadership roles in both the Campus Activities Council and the OU Film Series, working to create events that foster belonging and connection. As a campus tour guide, he shares his story with prospective students, helping them envision a future at OU.
“Each of these roles has helped me build confidence, develop meaningful connections, and give back to a university that has dedicated so much to me.”
Howard University | Advertising
Gabi began her college journey searching for a place where she could truly feel connected and supported. While her first university offered new experiences, she soon realized she was still looking for a stronger sense of community and belonging. When she learned more about the University of Oklahoma, its welcoming environment and closeness to home immediately stood out. “It was close enough to home, but far enough away to feel independent,” she said. After visiting campus during winter break, Gabi knew OU was where she was meant to be.
Since transferring as a sophomore, Gabi has found the sense of purpose and community she hoped for. She joined Alpha Gamma Delta, serving as Director of New Member Programming and Vice President of New Member Experience, while also getting involved in Crimson Club, the Provost’s Transfer Student Advisory Board, and the Transfer Student Peer Mentor program. Her internship with OU Housing and Food helped her further explore leadership and student engagement on campus.
“OU provides students with so many ways to get plugged in and find their people,” Gabi reflected. “I’ll always be grateful for the sense of community I felt from the moment I first walked on campus.
Oklahoma City Community College Transfer
After a couple false starts at college, Sonja completed an associate degree through Oklahoma City Community College with a 3.90 overall GPA. Sonja was a first-generation college student who first attempted college in her early twenties. She went to OCCC to enroll in classes only to find out she had to take an entrance exam to assess her English and math skills.
“I was not very good at school and was very trepidatious about starting to begin with. I walked out of OCCC never having taken the exams.”
Sonja next attended a private college of which none of her academic credit transferred. Feeling dejected, she decided to stay home with her new baby girl and forget about education. Sonja began working in her early thirties at her daughter’s school as a paraprofessional and was inspired by her students’ tenacity to learn. Deciding to give it one more try, Sonja went back to OCCC and took the required entrance assessments.
Now balancing several adult responsibilities, OU allows Sonja to stay close to friends and family while completing her bachelor’s degree.
“It may seem silly now but attending OU seemed like something I would never be capable of and now I am making great grades, in a transfer leadership program, and a Transfer Student Advisory Board member. I initially thought being in my thirties while in college would be strange, but it is not, and it has allowed me to show myself and my children that it is never too late.”
Seminole State College | Criminology & Native American Studies
Originally from Seminole, Oklahoma, Wenayv Yates began her college journey at Seminole State College, where she earned an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice in 2021. Knowing early on her professional path would lead to law school and with a lifelong dream of becoming a Sooner, transferring to the University of Oklahoma was a natural next step.
Now pursuing a dual bachelor degrees in Criminology and Native American Studies. Wenayv has found a strong sense of belonging and purpose within OU’s Native American Studies Department. Their academic interests are driven by a deep commitment to community, justice, and Indigenous sovereignty.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Wenayv plans to continue her academic journey at OU through a dual master’s program, with future goals that include attending OU Law and furthering their research in Native American Studies. Ultimately, Wenayv aspires to work with Seminole Nation community initiatives and nonprofit organizations focused on advocacy, policy, and Indigenous rights.
