Dear Transfer Student,
It has been over two months of hectic processes, a huge change you most likely could not fathom. It seems like a dream, one in which you’re a blind puppet. Your heart is in knots and your head bangs as you step foot into unfamiliar territory.
“Erosion…” some sneer, like you’re a failure, forced to make do with less. You rack your head, wondering what parts to chip away to fit in. It could even be a chance to reinvent yourself.
What if I am too loud…too quiet? What if I don’t fit in? Where do I start from? These thoughts run through your head as you wonder if you cold recover from the political fall. You had been an honourable in your previous department, but here, you are…just another transfer student.
You’ve been mixing chemicals together by pen and paper, but now you have to understand theories dead men pondered in boredom or chaos. Your entire probable career path has changed and you’re almost back to point zero.
Now, calm down and take a deep breath. It is going to be alright. Many great scholars had changed the course of their life trajectory. Akinte, an influential student politician with mass following, is a transfer student. Mojoyin, arguably the best President in Sociology, transferred to Sociology. The former Deputy Editor-in-Chief of NSASA Press was a transfer student, one so well adjusted that my eyes almost popped out when I found out that she was similar to me.
I was also lost, scared and confused. I cried days on end as reality dawned on me, months of paperwork and feeling less than. However, I found my purpose, I found a family and my passion in Sociology.
Figure out what you love and how you can connect it to where you are. Learn the best study technique that works for you. Meet your Vice Presidents and pester them until they assign you mentors and equip you with necessary tools you need to survive. It is their responsibility. Meet seniors who are transfer students, preferably the same gender sips zobo.
Join communities like Press Organizations, Literary and Debating Societies, Sports or something in your new department or faculty, but make sure not to join more than you can handle. Trust me, it will bite you in the ass in your penultimate year. Make new friends, not just acquaintances, someone you can trust.
Shoulders squared, chin down, never let anyone look down on you. You are not lesser than your UTME classmates. Also, remember, the probability of you graduating with a first class or second class upper is higher. The knowledge gotten from your former department is not wasted. Make use of your experience and learn from your past mistakes.
You’ve got this! Even if you changed departments willingly and got into a dream one, this is for you. Being a new student in a structure with already cemented relationships is a lot. Regardless of how, I am rooting for you.
Love,
Grace Omolola Tumininu.
Thank you soo much for this ❤️