A New Chapter

Colleen Schlieman | Editor

I can’t believe it is almost the end of the semester already! For me, this is my last semester here at LCCC. Next semester, I am transferring to Temple University in Philadelphia. The transfer process was long, hard, and complicated. Yet, picking a college to choose was even harder. 

Choosing which college is best for you can be a lengthy process. Sure, there may be a perfect college for you, fitting all of the things you want in a college, but they all can have downfalls. This process opened the door for me to understand how much thought and effort really goes into a decision like this, and it made me a better person for the future. 

Even though I chose Temple as the school I wanted to transfer to, it was not the only school I applied to. I applied to schools all over the state of Pennsylvania, and even one in upstate New York. I wanted to go to a school that was accredited with my major but also had enough for me to do around town when I wasn’t in class, so I wouldn’t get bored. I don’t know about you reading this, but I am finding it hard to look at cornfields every day, I could use a real change of scenery. I recommend if and when you tour the college you are transferring to, you meander around the town it is located in for a while. Sure, it's not as comprehensive as living there, but it can give you a better outlook on where you want to go, and where you can see yourself living. 

Money is probably one of the largest factors for deciding on a college, and I know it was for me. Personally, I do not want to be in debt throughout my whole life, just for a degree. If you’re still going to be at LCCC for a semester or more, check out Phi Theta Kappa! They offer scholarships for being a part of it, and some schools give scholarships for being a part of it too! LCCC offers scholarships as well, and I would do my best to apply to as many as I can. Applying for them can be tedious, but I’d rather save the money in the long run. 

Another factor in the decision-making process for me was my friends, family, and social life. I have lots of friends, and I would love to be as close to them as possible, but if a school is farther away, and can offer me what I need, I will go. It may be sad to leave, but it is important to weigh your priorities. You can make friends anywhere! I was born with the gene to talk to everyone. My grandmother, my father, and I seem to always make friends everywhere we go. I go to the grocery store or the gym, and I seem to meet people and become friends with them. Sure, it can be nerve-wracking to make new friends, especially in a new place, but getting yourself out there can be the best thing you can do. 

I used to get very anxious when meeting new people, but the best advice I can give you is just to do it. I like to say that there is only one way to do it, and that is just to go through. Think of all you accomplished at LCCC, and remember what you can do in the future. I believe you can do it. 

At the end of the day, if you are looking to transfer, it can be a daunting process with all of the steps you have to take. Not to mention the emotional process of making a large decision like this. Taking it day by day, as well as figuring out what you want can be helpful to find what is best for you.