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Transfer Student Calls µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø œThe Community I™d Been Looking For�

Annabella Bushnell ’26 (µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø/Michaela Lewis-Hardies)

For an increasing number of transfer students, µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø has become not just a new college, but also a new home.

Annabella Bushnell ™26 from Troy, NY, was one such student, transferring to µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø in their sophomore year, looking for œa campus that truly felt like home.� They recognized that community was a vital part of the college experience that they deeply valued.

œHonestly, the photos of campus were what drew me to µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø at first,� Bushnell says. œBut after looking into the academics, I knew that I could see myself here.�

At µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø, says Bushnell, œI was able to explore all the majors and minors and find something that felt right for me.� They transferred in as a psychology major, then switched to a communication major in their junior year. The late decision initially concerned them, but strong academic advisement made the difference. œThe faculty members I met with made sure I could switch my major while still graduating on time,� Bushnell says.

Bushnell felt µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø was the right choice for them, even when adjusting to a new campus as a transfer presented some personal challenges. Coming in as a sophomore meant stepping into an environment where many students had already formed connections. œI was nervous I would feel a step behind those who arrived as freshmen,� they admitted. œBut my fears went away pretty quickly because I had found the community I™d been looking for.�

Part of that community included other transfer students, some of whom Bushnell still considers close friends. œBeing able to talk with another transfer student and share similar experiences made me feel a lot more connected to the community here at µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø.� Those connections made Bushnell feel more at home on campus, interested in talking to new people, and eager to join . This past year, they served on the e-board of µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø™s Art Club.

œMake sure you get yourself out there early and engage with the community,� Bushnell advises. They feel that µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø made it easy for them to find where they belonged. The welcoming environment, they say, means anyone can feel at home. œYou can find your people and make µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø into a place that feels right for you.�

Author

Michaela Lewis-Hardies ’26
College Communications and Marketing
comm-mark@geneseo.edu

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