How William and Mary compares to California…

I moved to Virginia two years ago in efforts to attend William and Mary. My first year in this state was spent attending Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, VA (i.e., from where I transferred to the great W&M), and it was quite an adjustment. The people were different. The culture was different. The speed limits and driving styles drove me nuts. I felt like I was living in a world that constantly moved in slow motion. Ok, it was not as bad as it sounds. However, I was pleasantly surprised that life at W&M was much different than the surrounding cities.

The most popular question I have received since I came to W&M is why I left SoCal for Virginia. But, to be honest, my answer is no big surprise. I did not come here for the state. California is wonderful year round and I love my home very much. I could live very happily without the bugs, humidity, and allergies of the east coast. However, after years of contemplating which college was best for me and fully pursuing a future at Yale, I discovered that W&M was going to be the next chapter in my life. It was the only school that I applied to in the end and it is a great match. Yes, the environment is different, but it is a good change for me. The pace is quite similar to the hectic life that I am used to back in SoCal, the scenery is beautiful, and the small community provides me with a sense of “home-away-from-home.”

I love being a transfer student, especially being from another state. I believe that being a transfer student gives me a special relationship with W&M. It enables me to realize just how prestigious W&M is and appreciate aspects of it that may otherwise be taken for granted. To some W&M is the neighborhood college, but to me it is a wonderful experience and a huge stepping stone to fulfilling my dreams.

Just a pointer to current and future W&M students: don’t sleep on the job! W&M is like a huge candy store: more sweet opportunities than you are capable of digesting in one sitting. Take advantage of it while you have the chance. Before you know it you will be walking the other direction out those mighty doors of the Wren Building and saying farewell to this chapter of your life. Make the most of it.