It was that feeling all over again that you get when you’re moving from kindergarten to first grade or middle school to high school. Am I going to fit in? Am I going to get lost? Am I going to succeed? After leaving a small university of only 3,500 undergraduate students (with only three stop lights in the entire town!), I was somewhat nervous to begin another phase of my life at a school of about 60,000 students.
I started my first day like any other, except this time my mom wasn’t there to hold my hand like she did when I got on the bus for first grade, and my friends weren’t there to walk with me in between classes. I was alone. I had to make the transition by myself and deal with such a large campus and a completely different environment. I remember the whole first week of classes I had no idea where I was going…just walking around randomly hoping to find the right building or using a map on the phone but pretending that I was just on Facebook so I didn’t stick out as the “new” kid. After the first week I was asking myself, “did I make the right decision?”.
I kept contemplating that question in my head throughout the next week until I received an email. I remember opening the email expecting it to be spam or something that I probably wouldn’t be interested in. The email was talking about opportunities to attend lunches and dinners with a group that called themselves TSAB (Transfer Student Activities Board). I kept going back and forth in my head whether this was even worth my time. What if it’s awkward or what if no one even goes? I finally convinced myself to go and I honestly believe that it is why I really do feel like a Buckeye and have embraced the change.
TSAB is more than just a group that puts on activities and gives you something to do during the week. This group makes you realize you aren’t alone in your transition from schools or the work force. You’re able to build connections with not only the board members but other undergraduate students in similar situations. Everyone has a different story to tell but at the same time everyone can relate to that initial feeling of being overwhelmed or scared of such a large school.
I am now currently a board member for TSAB and it has been an experience I would not trade for the world. I love being able to hear all of the different stories that different transfer students have and being able to help them transition to Ohio State. There’s nothing better than realizing you’ve made an impact on someone’s life, no matter how small.
Transfer students: I now encourage you to take that next step, whether you’ve been here for multiple semesters or only one. Come to one of the TSAB events this semester. I promise that you will no be disappointed if you come in willing to make connections and to just have fun. There’s usually FREE food too, so why wouldn’t you come? Also, if you end up enjoying the TSAB events and are interested in making an impact on someone’s life, I encourage you to submit an application to become a board member for TSAB! Our applications will be available next week, so check the FYE website for more details soon.
Our next TSAB event is Improv Night on Sunday, Feb. 16th @ 8 p.m. in the Cartoon Room of the Ohio Union. Keep in the loop about all our events and activities by following us on Facebook and Twitter!
I now accept and embrace that I am a Buckeye. Yes, I am technically a transfer student and I enjoy telling my story, but I also don’t let that alienate me. I am part of the Buckeye family now; I am no longer alone.
