Emma – heath & exercise sciences
Connors State College Transfer
Emma began her college journey through concurrent enrollment in high school which allowed her to complete her associate in arts degree from Connors State College just one year after high school graduation. She has always known that she wanted to attend OU on her journey to becoming a physical therapist. Emma is still amazed at how perfect the transition was between Connors and OU.
“In the beginning, I really did my own research about transferring and found things that were important to me and how I could contact individuals that could get me through the process. Then, I was able to reach out and ask more questions to help guide me along my journey.”
During her time at OU, Emma has carried a challenging courseload while also volunteering to serve on the Provost’s Transfer Student Advisory Board. She also provides on-going peer mentoring and tutoring for underserved students at Connors State College. Emma’s hard work and focus paid off when she was accepted into OU’s highly competitive Physical Therapy Program.
“I would say to never hold back from something that you desire to do. You never know the opportunities that you may gain by stepping outside of your comfort zone and exploring options on campus.”
Vanderbilt University Transfer
MacK was literally sooner born sooner bred as both parents are OU alumni. Even with this strong connection to OU, she was searching for a new beginning through her college experiences. MacK was shocked when she found herself struggling to find community while experiencing an unexpected life trauma during her first semester away from home.
“Deciding to transfer was one of the most complex decisions of my life. I knew I needed to make a decision that aligned with all my values and goals for the future even at the expense of comfortability or embarassment. It took me all the way until the end of a ride from Nashville to Norman to remember that home has ALWAYS been OU.”
MacK gives full credit to OU’s Diversity and Enrichment Program and Leadership and Volunteerism staff out reach that helped her to again feel cared about.
“It began with something as minute as knowing my name without me explicitly stating it. DEP staff’s overwhelming sense of compassion, motivation, was my first glimpse of hope that made my transfer to OU seamless.”
Once on campus, OU staff presented MacK with a variety of opportunities to join President’s Community Scholars, Henderson Scholars, Black Student Association, MEDLIFE, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
“From experience, I know that navigating a new, large space is daunting and, frankly, draining, especially as an underrepresented student. Faculty and staff have been the greatest resource to me as a transfer student. They recomended the organizations I’ve chosen to participate in. Each group has made me a better person and contributed to my growth and maturity in this season of my life.”
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.”
Ronnie Nuqui – visual communications
Oklahoma City Community College
Ronnie started college as a pre-health major but after connecting with his OU mentor Quy Nguyen he quickly learned through campus involvement that his real passion lies being involved and creating art. Ronnie decided when he began at OU to slow his academic journey to embrace the connections and everyday moments that make up the college experience.
Now a Visual Communication major in OU’s College of Fine Arts, Ronnie balances a demanding studio schedule with high campus involvement. He is President of the Multicultural Greek Council, sits on the Vice-President Advisory Council, serves as a transfer student peer mentor, and several additional campus positions.
Ronnie encourages every transfer student to embrace who you are!
“We are all different and unique, and that is our greatest strength. Do not hide that part of yourself in hopes of being part of a group. We have hundreds of organizations and opportunities here at OU that embraces being who you are. Additionally, don't restrict or limit yourself because it's scary or hard. Take that first step! The first step is always the hardest, but you can't grow by staying comfortable.”
