01/27/2023
Time for our Friday Spotlight!
Sophia (she/her) is a returning student at PSU, majoring in Liberal Studies and planning to graduate this Winter π
Tell us about our returning student journey.
π I attended Linfield college 1995-1998. In 2012, I decided to return to school and transfer to PSU. During my final year, my financial aid ran out due to exceeding the credit limit. In December 2022, I decided to contact PSU and see how many credits I needed to graduate and look at my financial options.
I spoke with a returning student advisor and was absolutely thrilled with the news I received, and it just kept getting better from there. Everyone I contacted at PSU was so helpful and informative. Shayna, a returning student advisor, ran a few scenarios through DARS with my completed courses and helped me figure out I only had one class to finish my degree. They gave me a detailed list of what to do from there on out. I contacted April from the Financial Wellness Center, who helped me with the Last Mile Fund application. Meanwhile, I contacted a Language, Culture, & Meaning Advisor, Jon, who not only was quick to respond, but told me that due to all my prior coursework he would request to have my final class waived; all I needed to do was apply to graduate!
What are you looking forward to?
π I am excited for new adventures, possibly moving on to get a Masterβs Degree, and seeing what opportunities this has opened up for me.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
π₯ βΎ π I like keeping life simple. I love cooking, hanging out with my family and pets, hiking on a nice sunny day. Beading and making jewelry when I'm feeling creative. Iβm also a huge Portland Pickles Baseball fan, hence the "dill city" hat.
Do you have any advice to share with students thinking of transferring to PSU or returning to higher ed?
π Reach out to the PSU staff-- there is always someone to help, that is exactly what they are there for. It may be hard to ask for help, but it is much easier with help and guidance.
Thank you, Sophia, for sharing your valuable experience with us πβ¨π . .
βοΈ Got a story to share? Complete our Student Story form: bit.ly/trsrc-transfer-story