Meet the Transfer Interns: Laura Tutko

Hello! My name is Laura, and it’s so nice to meet you!

I’m a senior at William & Mary, double majoring in English and sociology with a concentration in social problems, policy, and justice. I’m originally from Northern Virginia, and, before I came to W&M, I attended a smaller university in Virginia. From transferring schools at the beginning of my sophomore year, to taking online classes off campus for two and a half semesters, I can easily say that I didn’t take the most traditional path to earn a degree from W&M.

As a sophomore transfer student, I certainly felt anxiety about fitting in. I even felt similar worries as a senior at the beginning of this school year returning to campus after almost two years of remote learning. Regardless of the amount of time that I have been physically away from the W&M community, the warm and welcoming atmosphere here has reminded me that I am a part of something bigger than myself–it reminded me that we are all family at W&M.

At my previous university, I found myself longing for a deeper sense of community and a more academically rigorous college experience. When I attended an on-campus transfer information session in the fall of my freshman year, I was able to meet an admissions intern who had transferred from the same university I was attending. Connecting with transfer students before I applied reassured me that I could find a sense of belonging at W&M even though my journey began elsewhere.

When I arrived on campus as a sophomore, I quickly connected with peers that had similar interests, joining clubs and attending on-campus events. I was surprised to meet so many people during these events that took an interest in my transfer experience. These early interactions allowed me to feel adjusted to the W&M community while feeling valued for my unique experience.

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and even now, I feel most connected to the campus community through the organizations I am a part of. On campus, you can find me in the Writing Resources Center as a writing consultant, or at the Office of Undergraduate Admission as a transfer intern. Additionally, I work at a local restaurant, and I’m the Editor-in-Chief of The Collective, W&M’s undergraduate sociology research journal.

Looking back at my journey at W&M, I’m glad that I made connections, big and small, as a student. No matter what you end up doing as a transfer student at W&M, know that you belong here!

–Laura Tutko, ’22