Camille Alvino

Office/Department/Unit: Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Institution you transferred from: College of DuPage
Institution you transferred to: Southern Illinois University Carbondale
What was the biggest challenge you encountered as a transfer college student and how did you overcome it? Because I transferred in my third year of my undergrad I felt so far behind all the students in my major-specific classes. Most students had known each other from taking the general biology classes together. Additionally, moving to a new area on top of a full class load was incredibly overwhelming for the first few weeks. I overcame this challenge by exploring campus and surrounding areas after classes. I also joined a research lab and multiple clubs to meet people with similar interests. I was able to get my feet underneath me in no time at all!
What is one piece of advice you would give transfer college students? Ease yourself in! No need to overwhelm yourself with a large class load on top of getting used to a new school and area. It takes time, don't rush in and forget to enjoy yourself.