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Where did you transfer and what was your major? I actually applied to and was accepted by multiple universities, including Texas State University and Texas Tech University, and I am currently waiting to hear back from The University of Texas at Austin. I began my journey as a psychology major, but made the decision to switch to Social Work after attending UT Day at ACC. That experience helped me realize where my true passion was, supporting children and families in meaningful and lasting ways.
How did you begin your transfer research? At first, I planned to complete my AA degree at ACC before transferring. But while balancing being a single parent, volunteering at my daughter’s school, and managing college coursework, I took time to reflect deeply on my goals. After speaking with my advisor, Patina, I realized I was ready to take the next step sooner through a reverse transfer pathway. From there, I began researching universities and seeing which were more transfer-friendly to nontraditional students, comparing programs and making sure my credits aligned with my long-term vision.
What was the deciding factor that made you realize the university you chose was the right fit for you? I’ve had a long-standing connection with Texas State University, as I visited the San Marcos campus multiple times back in my AVID middle school years, and it always felt familiar and welcoming. At the same time, attending UT Day introduced me to the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at UT Austin, which is nationally recognized as a top program!! Ultimately, the decision has been shaped by both opportunity and personal fit. Receiving the Transfer Bobcat Success Scholarship from Texas State, along with the sense that it matches my pace and environment, has made it feel like the right place for me.
Who or what resources helped you on your transfer journey? My advisor and the transfer specialist, Juan Riojas, played a huge role in guiding me through the process. But beyond that, my biggest motivation came from lived experience.
Was there anything about the transfer application process that was surprising to you? What surprised me most was how much persistence it requires. Between deadlines, paperwork, getting the perfect essays, and ensuring everything transfers smoothly, the process can feel overwhelming. Especially when balancing responsibilities at home and school, it pushed me to become more organized, disciplined, and confident in advocating for myself.
What’s next for you (and your family)? Next, I plan to complete my degree in Social Work and continue working toward becoming a school social worker. For my family (more so for my daughter), this journey represents more than education–it represents stability, growth, and the creation of opportunities that shift what’s possible for the next generation.
What advice would you give other ACC students who are planning to transfer? Don’t wait until your journey feels perfect or “ready” because it rarely ever will be. Start where you are, with what you have, and trust that each step forward builds something bigger than you can see in the moment. Use your resources, lean on your advisors, and don’t be afraid to change direction when your goals become clear. I started as a student trying to figure things out and going with the flow while balancing being a single mother and a first-generation college student, not always seeing the full path ahead. But through persistence, support, and unexpected opportunities to share my story publicly, I’ve learned that your experiences–even the difficult and messy ones–can become your strength. Because at the end of the day, transferring isn’t just about moving schools. It’s about stepping into who you’re becoming, even while you’re still becoming them. And once you realize your story has value, you stop asking if you’re ready–and start walking like you already belong.
Tell us about your higher education experience. I started at ACC in Business Testing, moved into Area of Study Advising, and have had the chance to grow alongside the students I’ve worked with. Each role gave me a different perspective, but the common thread has always been helping students figure out their next step. Even when they’re not quite sure what that is yet.
What inspired you to work at ACC? If I’m being honest, working at ACC was never part of my plan. It was supposed to be temporary. I blinked and 11 years later, here I am. Somewhere along the way, I got hooked on the ACC vibe, the students, the sense that what we do actually matters. It’s hard to leave a place where you can see real impact happening every day (and where no two days are ever exactly the same). What started as a “just for now” job turned into something I genuinely care about and I’ll admit, I’m really glad it did.
If you have one, can you share a success story of a student who you helped transfer to their dream school, and what advice do you have for other students who want to follow in their footsteps? One of my favorite student stories started with a very honest walk-in appointment. A student came in and said, “I want to take some classes so I can transfer to The University of Texas at Austin and go to medical school. My grades aren’t that good… but I’m going to work on that.” When we looked at his transcript, it showed a rough start after high school. Not because he wasn’t capable, but because there wasn’t much direction yet. College felt like something he should be doing, not something he had a clear purpose for. We had a very real conversation about what it would actually take to get into UT and eventually medical school, no sugarcoating, just a plan.
He followed the transfer and Med school prereq guides closely. He checked in with me almost every semester, and wasn’t afraid to ask for help when things got tough. Whether it was tutoring, campus resources, or just figuring out his next step, he used everything available to him. I was there to guide and support but he was the one putting in the effort. He went on to earn almost all A’s in higher-level courses, including science and math. When he applied to UT the first time, we were both hopeful. Then the decision came in… and it was a no. Instead of giving up, he kept going. Finished his remaining courses, stayed focused, and applied again. This time he was accepted into the College of Natural Sciences at UT.
That’s the moment I always think about, not just the acceptance, but everything it took to get there.
My advice to students? Have a goal, even if it feels big. Be honest about where you’re starting, and don’t let that discourage you. Use the resources around you, ask for help early, and stay consistent. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in your life.
What is one thing that you wish every student knew about the transfer process? Start planning early. Earlier than you think you need. Transfer planning is MUCH smoother when you give yourself time. Waiting until you’re close to graduation doesn’t make it impossible, but it can make things more stressful with tight deadlines and courses that may not transfer the way you expected. Starting early gives you options. You have time to adjust your plan, explore different paths, and make informed decisions instead of rushed ones.Do you have any advice for ACC students intending to transfer? Use the resources available like Transfer Services, meet with an advisor regularly, and build a flexible plan. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to keep you moving forward.
Got news, tips, or a student you’d like to spotlight? We’d love to feature your contributions in our next newsletter!
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