During my first few weeks at Georgetown, I was asked the question approximately 343 times: “So, why did you transfer?” At first, I would give long-winded explanations, getting tangled in my own reasons and excuses to explain why I decided to leave Indiana University. I learned to avoid this. There are tons of reasons I could list: desire for a strong international relations program, longing to explore a world outside of the Midwest, hopes for a challenge. Or even the more candid responses: a disappointing Greek system, regrets of choosing the safe option, following a boyfriend. Eventually I learned that I really didn’t need an excuse to offer other people. Just knowing that my first year wasn’t just right is reason enough.
With bags of clothes, shower shoes, and Mom in tow, I arrived in Georgetown after a year at Indiana. Soon I would learn that the name Georgetown not only represents the University but also the name of the surrounding neighborhood (who knew?). Looking back now as a senior, the most important thing I learned is to let go of what I expected and what I thought I knew. Once I let go of these expectations, I was able to find challenges in classes and new friends in unexpected places. Ultimately, I became inspired by my peers while staying true to my roots.
Regrettably, I tested into a higher level of Spanish than I should have. (At the time, it seemed like a good idea to “refresh” verb tenses, conjugations, vocabulary, and pronouns right before the placement exam.) The first day of Spanish with Profesora Zarate was a cruel awakening. I remember being tempted to ask, “Wait, we don’t speak English in here?” But through hard work, help from classmates, and a fantastic professor, I ended up getting an A. A year and a half later, I found myself standing in El Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain, while studying abroad. It was incredible to realize that I was re-learning the Spanish painting and history I learned in the class that gave me so much trouble when I first arrived at Georgetown.
When a new friend invited me to a club volleyball practice, I said yes even though I couldn’t make a serve in high school gym class. I eventually stopped going to practices about a month into the season after the whole team was forced to run sprints due to my hopeless serve. Despite my non-existent volleyball skills, the girls on the court that day became some of my closest friends at Georgetown. I am thankful I pushed pride aside and gave it a try.
I remember sitting with my small group on Healy lawn during NSO and was floored by the accomplishments of my fellow transfers. My peers continue to impress me. While I was humbled by their achievements, they did not silence my own ambition. They challenged it.
I now consider myself a Hoya, but I don’t deny my Hoosier roots that in some way lead me here. Sometimes it takes a year of trials to figure out what it is you’re actually looking for. Though some of my new friends assumed I lived and studied in a cornfield (and frankly, some still do), I’ve come to embrace it. The beauty of the Georgetown student body is the diversity of our backgrounds, not their homogeny.
As a rising senior, I have a list of regrets. Each of these has a common theme: they begin with “I wish I had…” or “I didn’t do…”. Take this advice now and try everything, get out there. You won’t regret trying, even if you fall flat on your face. I know I don’t.
I never thought I’d be a transfer. Indiana was supposed to be everything I wanted, but it is okay that it wasn’t. At the time I was scared, but in time I knew I deserved to be here. I now know that transferring to Georgetown was the best decision I have ever made. I look forward to making the most of my last year here. Hoya Saxa!