Hi there! My name is Vicky, and I’m a fourth-year student at Colorado State University, majoring in Biology. My journey to CSU started at McHenry County College (MCC) in Crystal Lake, Illinois, where I began as a first-generation college student. Growing up, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, but I always loved science, and had a passion for helping others. Little did I know that these interests would lead me to CSU, almost 1,000 miles away from home.

When it came time to transfer from my community college, I wanted a school that could give me strong academic opportunities, a supportive environment, and have all my credits transfer as seamlessly as possible. Transferology has a huge factor in my transition, giving me information on which credits will transfer and how. Financials are also extremely important when choosing a school to attend, and CSU offers a renewable Phi Theta Kappa transfer scholarship that I qualified for.

All it took was one visit to CSU, and I knew this was my school. The campus community was so welcoming, the professors are incredibly knowledgeable, and Fort Collins is a beautiful place to live! I definitely haven’t taken Colorado for granted with all the activities it has to offer during the two years I’ve been here. Going out of state was nerve-racking, but it all worked out for me. I would do it a million times over if I could.

To anyone thinking about transferring to CSU, my advice is to be open to the journey. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. I didn’t have the best first semester at CSU. In fact, it was the worst academic semester in my educational career. I eventually fixed my GPA and became more involved on campus, which ultimately led me to having the best outlook on CSU. Entering the last semester of my senior year has never felt so bittersweet. I’m so incredibly grateful I chose CSU and thankful for those who I’ve met along the way. Who knew two years could pass by so quickly?

Looking toward my future, my ultimate goal is to become an optometrist. I hope to attend the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago and help people maintain healthy vision throughout their lives. The eye doctor was the only doctor I wasn’t scared of when I was younger, and I’d love to be that person for another child. One day, I’d love to open my own practice — maybe even in Colorado — and combine my experiences from MCC and CSU. 

My dream plan wasn’t community college, but I’m so incredibly grateful for the experiences I gained and the wonderful people I’ve met along the way. The type of college you attend does not define your success! If you’re passionate about something, don’t be afraid to pursue it. 

Thanks for reading my story! I hope it inspires you to start yours wherever you end up … hopefully at CSU!