Moving on Out
Feb 01 '00
To transfer or not to transfer? That was an easy decision for me. I was in the breaking away, need to get out of the nest mode and the timing was right. When I left, I didn’t know if I would be gone a semester, a year or the rest of my life. Prior to my departure, I had a physical altercation with my father, which led me to a house with four other students and my first taste of life on my own. I was 19 years old and never had a money problem in my life. I always was provided with whatever was a necessity and more. Facing the real world with bills and rent sent me back to the nest within three months. But things were never the same. My parents had adjusted to life without me and obviously preferred it that way. So I transferred about 150 miles down the coast of California from L.A. to San Diego.
I loved San Diego. I had many vacations there from the time I was very young and already knew that. The school, San Diego State University, had such a party school reputation, all I could think of was the Beach Boys song ~ Fun, Fun, Fun. It was fun ~ very fun outside of the classroom. The classes were tough though and I did more studying than back in L.A. Hard to do with so much happening around you. San Diego is much more of a young person’s town than Los Angeles. Even businesses seemed to cater to younger individuals, not just the beach and party scenes.
PROS
I learned how to survive for the first time on my own. I was getting help for books, tuition, rent and even food ~ But I worked part time for all the extras. Not having your parents there for you to offer an empty palm was a good thing. You best learn it sometime. I also got a new perspective on a different schools environment. I had something to compare between the good and bad of each schools rules and administrations. My social life became so active, the new song in my head was Travelin’ Man by Ricky Nelson. I had a girl at every port. A couple relationships developed on return visits to L.A., relationships were starting in San Diego and my old girlfriend had transferred to UC Irvine ~ almost exactly the half way point ~ and we weren’t quite over each other yet. A girl at every port was new for me ~ great then ~ not so advisable now. I had to learn to live with strangers as I moved a few times. I feel that the more people you meet, the more you can learn from them and their behaviors. I think if you stay at the same school for your college duration, especially if you live at home with your parent or parents the whole time ~ you will miss the chance to explore and adventure a less sheltered life.
CONS
Unless you have gained complete support for your decision to move, you may encounter financial problems you never knew existed. This is a tough thing to handle and has sent many students’ back to their supporting roots. Classes don’t all transfer as well as what I’ve read in other epinions ~ at least not in my case. I had a 4-unit managerial/cost accounting class that only covered cost accounting back in L.A. I took a political science class that covered the history requirement at SDSU. At CSUN they said I still needed a history class to graduate. Since this was a state requirement and not a school requirement, I petitioned the school and won. Another con was the rule that any grade under a “C” could not be transferred, even though a “D” was considered passing. Since I managed to earn a “D” in finance, I had to repeat it. Other requirements were strangely different also. Despite the fact both were California State University schools, it was less units to graduate in Accounting than my option of Management Theory at SDSU. It was the opposite at CSUN, thus bared greatly in my decision to return to Los Angeles. Looking back now ~ I should have switched to an accounting major and stayed in San Diego as I believe that to be a much more valuable degree option. (Both fell under the Business Administration degree category).
FINAL DECISION
So, in conclusion, I advise to make the change and gain valuable life experience with a transfer. However, without the support of your parents or other financial aid assured ~ think twice before you go. College is difficult enough without facing a major money crisis. College should be a wonderful experience wherever you go. If you are not happy with the school you’re in ~ find a way to transfer. Check the school out first if you can. Talk to people, get brochures and find out about possible living arrangements beforehand. Good luck and don’t give up!
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auldbawl1
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Location: Port Hueneme, CA
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Epinhead? Seldom seen vet ~ reason obvious btw: ~ = mine!
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