In today’s job market, seeing a resume littered with multiple universities is becoming a common occurrence. It’s a sign that our generation demands more from our schools. UH holds a high percentage of incoming transfer students — a clear sign that this school is doing something right if so many flock to become a part of it.
Like many of you, Fall 2013 will be my first semester as a Cougar. Unlike many of you, I’ll be a junior. I expect transferring to UH from a university with a population of 3,600 students will be nothing short of an awesome experience. Here are some of my initial thoughts upon entering this incredible university:
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Athletics rule. Coming from a university with an almost nonexistent athletics program, it’s easy to take for granted the role that a prominent program plays at a school. The school spirit it generates on this campus is truly incredible, and the sense of pride it instills isn’t a feeling all students experience in their collegiate careers. Students around the nation are familiar with this University for more reasons than one. Being featured on ESPN throughout football season doesn’t hurt, though, and UH students should be nothing short of electrified to be a part of this nationally recognized program. I know I am.
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Large-scale programs. With more than 40,000 students to cater to, this University brings no shortage of groundbreaking, world-renowned academic programs to the table. The Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship ranks No. 1 in the nation, according to the Princeton Review, and U.S. News & World Report ranks UH’s law program as the 48th best in the nation. Coming from a university that’s trying to gain a foothold in its own city-(let alone the nation)-has made my transfer to UH all the more humbling. UH students hear phrases like “Tier One” and “nationally ranked” more than they probably realize. Take some time to absorb these words, and you’ll realize you’re at one of the greatest schools in the nation.
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Texas hospitality. Whether turning in a transcript or consulting financial aid, I have never had to worry about finding my way around the 667-acre campus because of kind UH students. Being walked from Hofheinz Pavilion to the UC Satellite by a fellow Cougar just to make sure I didn’t get lost was a stamp of reassurance on my decision to transfer. Another student took the time to call his friend to verify that the directions he was giving me were accurate. Needless to say, it’s already evident that the communal spirit at this university is incredible, and being a student at this school means being part of something so much bigger than ourselves.
At my previous school, it was said that its students weren’t “just numbers;” rather, they were individuals that would be treated more personally than they could ever expect to be by large universities. One can only assume that those who spoke that way have never had the UH experience. Brimming with possibilities, UH clearly doesn’t just treat its students as individuals — it gives them the necessary tools to help them develop into the best possible versions of themselves.
Opinion columnist Cara Smith is a communications junior and may be reached at [email protected].
Love your comments. Good luck to you