To understand how I became a Tarleton State Texan, I must first take you back to my junior year in high school. Like many other students, I had no clear idea of what I wanted for my future, but I knew college was definitely what I wanted to do.
During a conversation with a family friend, who had recently graduated with a master’s degree, she gave me some invaluable advice: if I was uncertain on what to study but sure I wanted to continue to higher education, why not start at a community college like she did? It would be less expensive and allow me to figure out what to study.
From that conversation, I had two clear goals:
- Graduate debt-free
- Find out what I wanted to study.
By my senior year, after I took digital art classes and had conversations with my family, I got the answer. I would study either digital animation or graphic design.
It’s The Start Of Something New
I thought my plan was simple enough. Start an animation degree at Tarrant County College and then transfer to a four-year university after two years.
During my first semester, I quickly realized that college wasn’t as easy as I had anticipated. My daily routine consisted solely of commuting to class and returning straight home, which prevented me from making connections. During this time, I also realized animation wasn’t a career path for me and that I would enjoy it more as a hobby.
After that I decided to make some changes. So, I changed my major to graphic design and committed myself to getting involved on campus.
And everything changed, it all kind of clicked. I discovered that I was passionate about graphic design and loved everything about it, even the homework. On the social side, I slowly but surely stepped out of my comfort zone. I first joined a club that allowed me to help around the community through volunteer opportunities on campus. This would later let me land my first job at our student food pantry.
As the time flew by, at the end of my two years, I had earned an Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design, and even held leadership positions like club president and vice-president, that helped me not only grow as a person but establish lifelong friendships.
Finding The Right University
After earning my associates degree, my professors encouraged me to pursue a bachelor’s degree for better career opportunities. While trying to find what university would be the right fit for me, I came across the Transfer & Community College Pathways at Tarleton State. They offered direct admission, tuition scholarships, and a waived application fee.
Around that same time, my sister was completing her first year of community college. When we learned more about Tarleton State, we discovered that there was a pathway for her to become a veterinarian. The decision on which university we would go to became pretty obvious. If we were to go to Tarleton State, we could pursue our own careers and stay together.
My parents loved the idea. If we had gone to different universities, or gone our separate ways, it would have doubled our expenses. Fortunately, because my dad had the flexibility to work from home, we were able to rent a house together. This arrangement kept our family under one roof and took the financial pressure of paying rent completely off our plates.
To make the timing work, since my sister had a year left before transferring, I took all the possible general credits at the community college, allowing me to transfer to Tarleton State alongside my sister. That also allowed me to focus on my specialized graphic design classes when I transferred.
Being a Tarleton State Texan
As someone who prioritized graduating debt-free, starting at a community college was the best advice I could have followed. It allowed me to build my leadership, social, and professional skills, so that when I arrived at Tarleton State, I had a better vision for my future.
After almost a year at Tarleton State, I can say that all of what I have learned has contributed to my success here:
Academically, I understood what works for me as a student which allowed me to make it onto the Dean’s list in my first semester and onto the President’s list this past semester.
Professionally, I was accepted for a graphic design internship opportunity on campus, which lets me refine my skills, learn more about this industry, and put into practice my classroom knowledge.
Socially, I understood the importance of being involved on campus. Now I try to not miss any campus events and school organizations that let me experience school traditions and the campus life that characterizes Tarleton State.
And as for my sister, she has really been enjoying herself here, too! She is getting some hands-on experience for her pre-vet field. She’s also working on campus, and even attending many volunteer opportunities, all while also making it onto the dean’s list in her very semester.
If you were to ask me, ” as a transfer student, would you recommend Tarleton State?”, I would! No doubt. Here you get to experience a combination of a major university by the traditions and campus life like the Homecoming week or John T’s week, with the genuine personal connection of a small and welcoming school can offer.
Thinking about starting your transfer journey here at Tarleton State?