College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
Bella Isaac
Office/Department Unit: Human Development
Where did you transfer from?
Radford University
What do you enjoy most about VT or your major?
I enjoy with my major all the things I’m taking and I enjoy that from my major. I can go to medical schools and that’s my goal to attend medical school to be a doctor.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
I wanna become a doctor and a business owner. That’s not related to my Measure, but I love business.
Kendall Levinsohn
Office/Department Unit: Political Science
Where did you transfer from?
Germanna Community College
What do you enjoy most about VT or your major?
I most the enjoy the people/and or atmosphere. Everyone is so sweet!
Do you have any campus involvements and/or achievements you want to highlight?
I am the secretary of Phi Alpha Delta and the founder of a support group for eating disorders on campus
Margaret Paczkowski
Office/Department Unit: Nanoscience, French
Where did you transfer from?
George Mason
What do you enjoy most about VT or your major?
I enjoy VT because it's a very diverse and welcoming community! Both of my majors have wonderful professors and my peers are all very friendly. I enjoy going to my classes and I look forward to learning!
What one piece of advice would you give to a potential transfer student?
Definitely keep yourself open to new opportunities. There's so much to do and see on VT campus, so make sure you attend Gobblerfest and lots of new student activities and programs. Really put yourself out there and try to make some new friends!
Nora Ponce
Office/Department Unit: English, Pre-Law
Where did you transfer from?
Appalachian State University
What one piece of advice would you give to a potential transfer student?
If you want to transfer but are nervous about taking the leap, just go for it!! It's okay to be anxious about making such a big decision. If transferring is the best choice for you, everything else will fall into place.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
I hope to have graduated from law school and be a lawyer!
Emma Fox
Office/Department Unit: Political Science
Where did you transfer from?
University of Virginia’s College at Wise
What do you enjoy most about VT or your major?
I love how versatile Political Science is as a major. You can concentrate in different fields, and it opens the door for many career opportunities! I have many fond memories from PSCI classes and office hours with my professors.
What one piece of advice would you give to a potential transfer student?
Take advantage of every opportunity. Make the most of your time here. Before you know it, you will be an alumnus.
Khushi Chaudhari
Office/Department Unit: International Relations
Where did you transfer from?
LaSalle University (Philly)
What one piece of advice would you give to a potential transfer student?
Embrace the unknown! Transferring can feel daunting, but it's a chance to explore new opportunities and meet diverse people. Take the time to engage with your new community—join clubs, attend events, and reach out to classmates. Building connections will help you feel more at home and enrich your experience. Remember, it's a fresh start, so be open to new experiences and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed!
Do you have any campus involvements and/or achievements you want to highlight?
I'm currently involved in two exciting volunteering programs. The first is the "Conversations Partner Program" with the Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute, where I’m mentoring a new international student from China, helping her enhance her English conversational skills. The second program, "Language Partners" or "Speak for Ukraine," is run by Virginia Tech’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In this role, I connect with Ukrainian refugees via Zoom, assisting them in improving their English language proficiency. It's a rewarding experience to support these individuals on their journeys. I’m also involved with the Undergraduate Student Senate as a newly elected At-Large College Senator. I’m excited to lead my fellow students and serve as their voice.
Ziad Zaki
Office/Department Unit: Consumer Studies
Where did you transfer from?
New River Community College
What do you enjoy most about VT or your major?
The campus and the events
What one piece of advice would you give to a potential transfer student?
My advice to a potential transfer student would be to complete your associate's degree first. This can help you reduce the number of classes you'll need to take after transferring. Also, aim to maintain a high GPA, as this can increase your chances of qualifying for financial aid and scholarships when you transfer.
Hayley Bisek
Office/Department Unit: Professional and Technical Writing
Where did you transfer from?
Laurel Ridge Community College
What do you enjoy most about VT or your major?
It's a very committed atmosphere. Everyone is super into what they're doing and there's always a ton of resources or people willing to help you go further.
What one piece of advice would you give to a potential transfer student?
Definitely don't be afraid to ask questions you think may be dumb or obvious. Transferring can be super intimidating and there are always times I wished I'd asked a question instead of struggling silently.
Noreli Ledezma Torres
Office/Department Unit: Psychology + Criminology
Where did you transfer from?
Blue Ridge Community College
What do you enjoy most about VT or your major?
I love how pretty the campus is. Even though I am technically in my third year, Tech has a good system for transfers getting adjusted to the campus. I feel like I am aware of the resources I have access to due to the announcements the school and professors give.
What one piece of advice would you give to a potential transfer student?
Definitely try to keep up with news in the area. Professors talk about how people miss out on opportunities due to missing announcements. Tech has tons of opportunities and people willing to show you how to get them.
Sam O'Rawe
Office/Department Unit: Smart & Sustainable Cities + Accelerated Masters in Urban Planning
Where did you transfer from?
Hampton University
What do you enjoy most about VT or your major?
What I enjoy most about Virginia Tech is the wonderful community. I have made some of my best friends and favorite memories here. I thrive with strong relationships and the Virginia Tech community has enriched my life more than I could have ever imagined.
Do you have any campus involvements and/or achievements you want to highlight?
This will be my 3rd year living in the Transfer Experience Living-Learning Community. I enjoyed connecting with other transfers so much, that I returned as a Student Leader. I want to help guide new transfers through their transition here at VT.
Hannah Racey
Office/Department Unit: History and social sciences education
Where did you transfer from?
Piedmont Virginia community college
What do you enjoy most about VT or your major?
I love going on walks through campus
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
I hope to be a school counselor someday
Fatima Hasan
Office/Department Unit: Political Science
Where did you transfer from?
George Mason University
What one piece of advice would you give to a potential transfer student?
Get involved early in student organizations and campus life. Building connections through groups like the Student Senate, the Muslim Student Association, or volunteer programs not only helped me integrate into the community but also provided me leadership opportunities. These experiences will enrich your academic journey and open doors to personal and professional growth." DON’T BE SCARED TO GET INVOLVED & find YOUR NICHE!
Do you have any campus involvements and/or achievements you want to highlight?
Ever since coming to Tech, I have been involved in the undergrad student senate as a Muslim Student Association Senate Representative. I am also part of the Middle Eastern and North African Student Association as a Secretary. As a Senator, I am on the government document working group as well as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. Finally, I work at Squires as a Student Engagement Engineer for SECLS (student engagement and campus life).