National Transfer Student Week

In 2023, I moved from Thailand to the U.S. with my family. I could barely speak English, and I wasn’t sure college was possible for me. Saint Paul College gave me a place to start. With support from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, I transferred to the University of Minnesota to study Genetics, Cell Biology & Development. Now I’m a senior, and the U has opened doors I didn’t know existed. I do research in the Beckman Lab, where I study blood clots in a group of blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms, and I’m writing my honors thesis on this work. My passion is to find treatments for diseases that don’t have one yet.

I grew up in Fargo, ND where the expectation was going to NDSU for college or as far away from home as possible...I started at NDSU and instantly knew that was not the college for me. I would visit my friends and my boyfriend at the U and I quickly realized I wanted to transfer here. I knew it would be scary moving away from home for the first time (especially since I was a transfer student), but felt like the community and connections at the U was worth it. The friends I've made, people I've met, professors who've inspired me, and activities that welcomed me made me realize all the uncertainty and worry last year do not compare to the joy and happiness of this year.

I transferred to the University of Minnesota in hopes to get more support with my academic aspirations as well as my limited capabilities. I'm so happy with my decisions and found the perfect degree for me. Thanks to those whom aspired before me I am curating my own personal bachelor's degree.

I transferred to UMN from a small private college after my first year. I chose to do this because I wanted to be in the driver's seat of my college experience; and to get as well-rounded of an education as I could. When I heard about the University of Minnesota's unrivaled academics, alumni network, opportunites both in and outside the classroom, and school spirit, I knew that I had found my new home as a Golden Gopher! Transferring was a huge decision; but I could not be more grateful that I took that leap of faith. I truly don't think I could find a better education than the one I'm getting here. It's certainly a big transition, but between my professors, the Transfer Living Learning Community, CLA transfer coaches, and clubs; I have people to support me at every corner. Go Gophers!

I graduated from Pensacola Junior College in 2009 and later transferred to the University of Minnesota, where I spent a year in the College of Liberal Arts before entering the Mortuary Science program. Returning to college after so many years as a nontraditional student has been both exciting and challenging. Balancing academics, work, and raising a family has required determination, flexibility, and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone.

After completing an intense year at community college—including summer classes—to earn my associate degree, I transferred to the University of Minnesota at age 36, a goal I once thought financially out of reach.

During my first year in college, I attended Saint Mary University of Minnesota in Winona, where I initially majored in Biology on the Pre- Physician (PA) track. I enjoyed the small classes but after taking a Psychology course , my interest in the field sparked, leading me to reconsider my career path. I decided to transfer to the University of Minnesota because of its psychology program and the opportunities it offered. Since transferring, I have truly enjoyed my experience here. Although the University of Minnesota is a much bigger school, there are countless ways to get involved and connected with others who share similar interest. I found a welcoming environment and supportive faculty that connected me with research opportunities, clubs, and resources that have helped me succeed.