- by Elizabeth DeMeis -
What does Naz have to offer a transfer student? Why go back to college as an adult?
Life has a funny way of ruining plans. When tragedy struck, I was going to school and figuring out what I wanted to do with my life. This quickly put a stop to my college days, and I moved back to New York from California and spent some time grieving. I got a job and just tried to live a life. Something was missing, though.
My family has always encouraged education. I missed learning. There was no way to advance in my job without education. With the encouragement of my family, I went back to college — at MCC.
The idea was to try out a class. One class would give me an idea of whether this was something I wanted to spend my time and money on school. I found that even online during the pandemic, doing one class was what I had been missing. I was soon taking more and more courses.
MCC got me started, but it became clear that it would not be able to take me where I wanted to go. I wanted a bachelor’s degree. I had been working on getting one before, and I wanted it. I knew what I wanted, and I wanted to stay local. I didn’t want to move yet again.
There are many schools in the Rochester area. Luckily, my stepmom told me to go tour Nazareth. The tour blew me away. I fell in love with the beauty of the campus and its history. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, everyone was so welcoming and friendly. I was impressed with the small class sizes. I liked the idea that professors would come to know me as a person and not just a number. I liked how much support is offered, everything from help with academics to well-being. I liked that there was always some event during the week that, even as a commuter, I could still participate in. Student life didn’t seem like it was geared just toward the kids, but as an adult in my 30s, there was stuff that I could enjoy.
Not only did the campus appeal to me, but the academics did, too. Not only did Nazareth have an interesting English program, but the Museums, Archives, and Public History Program stood out. I was also impressed by the History program. I knew I was an English major but wanted a second major. There are just so many interesting things to learn. I could settle myself in and then decide. I couldn’t take forever to make that choice, but I had time. Between the community and academics, Naz seemed worth my time and money.
Transferring wasn’t that hard. The staff was happy to help if I had any questions and answered quickly and succinctly. I was so excited to get into a school with so much to offer.
I’m unaware of how many returning students are at Naz. There don’t seem to be a ton of us, or at least not in my program. Yet, I’ve never felt singled out. Hearing a 19-year-old complain about being old has made me feel some kind of way. I have felt like a member of the Museums, Archives, and Public History Program as a strong sense of community has been fostered. Credit to Dr. Kneeland. Have felt like an English student too.
I’m glad I went back to college and went to Naz. Naz has given me that student community I wanted while my professors have challenged me. I know that what I’m working on will allow me to built the kind of life I want for myself.
