transfer

Transforming Lives

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:21:14 +0000

Transforming Lives BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 01/18/2024 - 10:21

Transfer Services helps students find their place on campus

January 23, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Transferring to a new school can be overwhelming. However, for Mike Summers, ’24, the individualized attention at ɫ��Ƶ made the process easy.

Mike worked closely with Transfer Advisor Jaclyn Cowell, who helped him determine the best classes to take and connected him to on-campus resources.

“She was very, very helpful telling me about how everything worked,” recalled Mike, who came to ɫ��Ƶ as a junior after graduating from Massasoit Community College. “She helped me just feel comfortable. ... She really made things easier for me.”

The support Mike received is not unique. It’s a hallmark of Transfer Services, a department exclusively focused on advising and supporting prospective and new transfer students.

“We’ve created an atmosphere that is welcoming and inclusive, and students leave feeling as though they are a priority and not just a number,” said Jeff Sarahs, ’10, G’12, director of Transfer Services, adding: “When they see friendly faces and they trust us, they ultimately want to go to Bridgewater.”

The data bears that statement out, as transfer students are increasingly likely to remain at ɫ��Ƶ after their first year. This measure of retention grew almost 5 percentage points in the past 5 years to 84.6 percent for full-time transfer students who started in fall 2022.

As they prepare to become a Bear, transfer students now receive checklists and personalized advising to ease the transition. They also learn from tutorials specifically tailored to their needs.

“When they are getting that level of attention at a university, it really means the world to those students,” Sarahs said. “It’s people helping people.”

For community college students, the process starts even sooner. ɫ��Ƶ staff advise them on courses while they are working on their associate degree to prepare them for success at ɫ��Ƶ.

Transfer ambassadors like Joshua Nichols, ’26, lead drop-in Q-and-A sessions, offer campus tours, assist at welcome events, and are a frequent presence in the Transfer Services office. They’re always ready to provide a student perspective on ɫ��Ƶ life.

“I knew I wanted to help students like me transfer in,” said Joshua, who previously attended UMass Dartmouth. “Everyone has a different story. If I can give them another chance (at college), that’s what it’s all about for me.”

Joshua came to ɫ��Ƶ at a time when he wasn’t sure if he would even continue with college. But the business management major immediately connected with faculty and staff such as professors Marge Johnsson and Todd Harris.

“Being involved here definitely made me stay,” he said of working for Transfer Services. “I have more of a purpose than just going to school.”

Mike is similarly pleased with his adjustment. Now in his last semester as a business management major and marketing minor, Mike appreciates Student Accessibility Services staff and professors such as Dr. Jakari Griffith who are eager to mentor students.

“I have been really happy here,” Mike said. “I can’t ask for anything more. I’m lucky.”

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

We’ve created an atmosphere that is welcoming and inclusive, and students leave feeling as though they are a priority and not just a number.

Jeff Sarahs, ’10, G’12, director of Transfer Services

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transfer

Photo by Luis Pires, '24

Case Study in Perseverance

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:15:47 +0000

Case Study in Perseverance HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 12/11/2023 - 10:15

ɫ��Ƶ helps complete alumna's journey to become a lawyer

December 14, 2023

Heather Harris Michonski

It took her 11 years and five colleges before she graduated, but it was at ɫ��Ƶ where Steffani Langston, ’14, was able to accomplish the goal of earning her degree.

Today, Langston is a successful senior attorney for Wasserman Family Law LLC, in Townson, Maryland, and recently found herself reflecting on her educational journey.

“It dawned on me that I am prouder of my undergraduate degree than I am of my law degree,” she said. “Bridgewater was accommodating to a non-traditional, commuter student who had a full-time job. I failed more times than I care to count, and Bridgewater always let me come back.”

As a first-generation student with very little support from her family, Langston admits that upon graduating high school, she floundered trying to find her footing.

Watching her peers earn degrees in a timely manner and move on to thriving careers while she bounced from school to school, unsure of what major to settle on, caused her shame.

“I was ashamed because it took me so long to finish,” she said. “I was ashamed because I had mountains of student debt. I was ashamed because all of my friends completed their studies ‘on time.’”

Yet, something inside of her refused to quit and eventually she decided she wanted to be a teacher and knew Bridgewater had an excellent reputation for its teaching program.

“I ended up changing my major three or four times,” she said, “But even Bridgewater was going through a lot of change at that time.”

When Langston came to Bridgewater in 2006, it was then Bridgewater State College. When she graduated it had evolved into ɫ��Ƶ.

With the support of her professors, Langston eventually earned a degree in English, and in 2014 graduated cum laude.

“Bridgewater never made me feel like I took a step back,” she said. “I think that’s why I’ve been reflecting on it now. I mentor law students and always tell them, it’s okay, you can change your mind and it will all be fine.”

During her final semester at Bridgewater State everything finally clicked, and Langston could clearly see the path she was supposed to be on: law school.

She took the LSAT (a standardized test for prospective law school students) and went off to the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Upon earning her law degree, Langston opted to work in family law and strives to help parents in high conflict cases to mitigate harm that divorce can often cause children.

“I try to tell my clients to not get so wrapped up in the now, but to keep the children’s best interest in mind,” she said. “I really do like educating parents on the impact their decisions will have on their children because that’s what drew me in to have a career in this field.”

Now immersed in a successful and meaningful career, Langston recently purchased a frame for her ɫ��Ƶ diploma to display in her office. The document serves as a reminder of the hard work and perseverance it took to earn it.

“I loved my time as an undergraduate because it gave me hope,” she said. “Hope that there was something more and better for me out in the world. Bridgewater was the only place that made me feel I could do it, that getting my degree was an attainable goal and I had the tools and resources available to do it.”

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Bridgewater was the only place that made me feel I could do it, that getting my degree was an attainable goal and I had the tools and resources available to do it.

Steffani Langston, ’14

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Alumni Profile

transfer

First Gen

Building a Career

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 19:28:34 +0000

Building a Career HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Wed, 09/13/2023 - 15:28

Senior laying foundation for dual careers in teaching and construction

October 3, 2023

Heather Harris Michonski

The road may not have been straight, but the twists and turns have led Gabe Elias, ’24, to the finish line of his senior year at ɫ��Ƶ, and he’s confident about what comes next.

“I’ve always been open to possibilities,” Gabe said. “The way I was raised is, I need to make things happen for myself and if I put my mind to it and work hard, I’ll get things done.”

The Leominster native began his college career at a different school, studying finance.

Things were going okay until the spring of 2020 when COVID hit, classes moved online, and necessary restrictions were put in place.

“I was not doing good mentally,” Gabe said. “I couldn’t concentrate, didn’t like what I was studying and didn’t want to be there anymore.”

A friend at the time recognized his struggle and, because of his passion for sports and fitness, suggested he switch gears and study physical education.

After doing some research, Gabe discovered ɫ��Ƶ’s physical education teacher licensure program. What he discovered piqued his interest and after some soul searching, he decided to transfer.

“I was very scared to pull the trigger and transfer, it’s a life-changing decision,” he said. “But once I did, the process was smooth and very easy.”

Around this time, he also received an email inviting him to interview for an entrepreneurial internship he’d previously applied for but had forgotten about.

He landed the internship and, while pursuing his degree at ɫ��Ƶ to teach physical education, gained valuable knowledge on how to run a business.

“The internship taught me what I was capable of doing,” Gabe said. It also provided the confidence to launch his own company, Elias Home Improvement.

His company offers exterior and interior painting and power washing in the Leominster area. Because of the success he’s had, Gabe looks to eventually expand into a full construction business.

Before then, however, he still plans to earn his degree from Bridgewater, which means this semester he will be student teaching full-time to complete the degree requirements, while also running the business.

The ultimate goal is to be able to teach physical education at the high school level and run a business at the same time, something Gabe feels is possible because the majority of his company’s work is done on weekends, while teaching takes place during the weekdays.

“I have a lot of business goals and aspirations but aim to be a man of all trades,” he said. “I don’t like being locked into one thing. I want to be someone who is successful, someone who helps and inspires others.”

When he looks back at the last three years, it amazes him how far he’s come.

“During COVID, man, I was in a bad spot mentally,” Gabe said. “But then I think about how quickly it turned around.”

A lot of that had to do with his decision to transfer to ɫ��Ƶ and the support he’s received.

“I’ve been calmer, less stressed and my professors have helped me tremendously with whatever I have had going on,” he said. “They are very flexible and always there to help me. Bridgewater has surprised me, there is definitely a family feel here.”

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Bridgewater has surprised me, there is definitely a family feel here.

Gabe Elias, '24

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Student Spotlight

transfer

Internships

'Best Decision'

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 16:56:42 +0000

'Best Decision' HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Fri, 09/16/2022 - 12:56

Recent graduate reflects on his experience as a transfer student

September 20, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

Shortly after walking the commencement stage at Gillette Stadium, Pembroke native Vinny Coyle, '22, took a moment to reflect on his college experience.

“I am very proud of this accomplishment and thankful for all my friends, family and professors who helped me along the way,” he said.

Coyle transferred to ɫ��Ƶ after completing his freshman year at another institution, and said the move was, “one of the best decisions I ever made.”

The criminal justice major, who currently lives in Pennsylvania, recently graduated summa cum laude with departmental honors. He currently works as a recovery coach and case manager with Central Behavior Health.

We recently caught up with Coyle to learn more about his time at Bridgewater State.

Can you share what the transfer experience was like? Transferring to ɫ��Ƶ was extremely easy, I was never confused throughout the process. All of the information I needed to make the transition and apply to be accepted into ɫ��Ƶ was very straightforward.

What made you want to transfer to ɫ��Ƶ? I did a lot of research into ɫ��Ƶ’s criminal justice department and discovered that it fit my needs as a student. The school being affordable was also a major reason for my transferring.

You previously shared that coming to ɫ��Ƶ was a good choice, can you please elaborate as to why? I felt that transferring to ɫ��Ƶ was a good choice because I felt that I got exactly what I wanted out of my college experience, at least academically. Not being on campus for my entire junior year because of COVID was definitely a struggle. However, academics was my main reason for going to college and I felt academically enriched through ɫ��Ƶ.

Do you have any professors or mentors that helped you on your ɫ��Ƶ journey? Dr. Luzi Shi was my adviser, professor for one of my classes, and my mentor on my honors thesis. She helped me incredibly and I am so grateful for her.

Dr. Emily Brissette and Dr. Hannarae Lee were professors who I also had for classes, and both were on my honors thesis review committee to approve my thesis for completion. I have them to thank as well.

In what ways do you feel ɫ��Ƶ helped you prepare for post-graduation? ɫ��Ƶ helped me by recommending internships and career paths for me, helping me decipher what I wanted to do with my degree.

If you were to encourage a prospective student to take a look at ɫ��Ƶ, what would you tell them? I would tell any student to enroll at ɫ��Ƶ. In my experience, the professors are well-versed in their fields and really take the time to help you as a student. The school is also affordable and offers many services to all kinds of students, from transfer students to first generation students.

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I felt that transferring to ɫ��Ƶ was a good choice because I felt that I got exactly what I wanted out of my college experience.

Vinny Coyle, '22

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Alumni Profile

transfer

Steps to Success

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:35:58 +0000

Steps to Success Anonymous Thu, 01/09/2020 - 10:35

CC2ɫ��Ƶ program opens doors for community college students

January 7, 2020

Brian Benson

Story Series

News Feature

Alexander Fagundes, ’21, and Jennifer Santana, ’22, know the value of higher education. And thanks to ɫ��Ƶ’s partnership with local community colleges, they’re able to reach for their dreams.

Earning associate’s degrees helped Alexander adjust to college academics, and Santana, as she prefers to be called, get the boost she needed to return to the classroom after time away from school.

Their journeys highlight the importance of CC2ɫ��Ƶ, a program offering guaranteed Bridgewater admission for Bristol and Massasoit community college students who earn associate’s degrees. Advisers dedicated to students’ success are made available through the program. Meanwhile, the CC2ɫ��Ƶ participants can also use ɫ��Ƶ facilities, such as the library and fitness center, before officially becoming a Bear.

Alexander

At ɫ��Ƶ, Alexander can’t wait to go to class. That’s a far cry from a few years ago, when he didn’t even want to be in school.

It took the death of his grandmother to change his attitude. She lived with Alexander and his mom and passed away the summer before his senior year at Brockton High School. He realized he needed to focus on academics to support his family.

“It opened my eyes,” he said. “I needed to step up now.”

Alexander knew he wanted to attend ɫ��Ƶ, but found enrolling at Massasoit Community College eased the transition from high school to Bridgewater. And he came to ɫ��Ƶ during his time as a Massasoit student to play pick-up basketball games.

“Being on campus, I felt like I belonged,” he said.

Now a marketing major, Alexander is impressed with how his professors care about more than just giving out grades.

“They genuinely want to get to know you, building that relationship and helping you as a student,” he said.

Alexander aspires to work in the sports or automotive industries. No matter where he lands, he knows the CC2ɫ��Ƶ program set him up for success and allowed him to help others, just as his grandmother did.

“I know she’s looking down at me proud,” he said.

Santana

Social workers assist people in all walks of life, but Santana has a specific career goal: reuniting human trafficking victims and their families and ensuring they have the support they need.

That motivates Santana, a domestic abuse survivor from Fall River, to pursue her studies, first at Bristol Community College and now as a social work major and psychology minor at ɫ��Ƶ.

“If I can help one person it’s going to be worth it,” said Santana, who had to put her education on hold while in recovery from addiction. “People didn’t give up on me. I don’t want to give up.”

Her professors at Bristol prepared her for the academic rigor she experiences as a Bridgewater student. She praises staff in ɫ��Ƶ’s Academic Achievement Center for helping her with writing and other critical skills despite her dyslexia and ADHD.

“They’re patient, they’re very non-judgmental, and they’re accommodating,” she said.

Santana hopes to pursue graduate school at ɫ��Ƶ after earning her undergraduate degree. She has aspired to come to ɫ��Ƶ since realizing social workers she admired as a child were graduates.

“There are days that I want to quit, but I won’t,” she said. “My dreams are coming true.”

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

There are days that I want to quit, but I won’t. My dreams are coming true.

Jennifer Santana, ’22

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Student Spotlight

transfer

CC2ɫ��Ƶ