Where Belonging Begins: A Transfer Student's Story At NMU

Where Belonging Begins: A Transfer Student's Story At NMU 

I grew up in Grayling, Michigan, but the Upper Peninsula was always a special place for my family. We’d vacation up here when I was a kid, and I’ll never forget the first time my dad took me to the Superior Dome. I remember thinking it was one of the coolest things I’d ever seen. Even then, NMU stuck in my mind.

When it came time for college, I applied to a bunch of Michigan schools, but I wasn’t quite ready to move too far from home. I decided to start at Kirtland Community College, just down the road. Those two years were busy: I earned associate degrees in business administration, accounting, and liberal arts and sciences, all at the same time. By the time I finished, I had junior status and was ready for a bigger challenge.

A friend told me about NMU’s Presidential Scholars competition, and I decided to give it a shot. The experience went great, and later that year, while I was down in Detroit getting ready to head into a Lions game, I received a call from Alex Lasher in NMU Admissions. That was a call I will never forget: I had been awarded the Transfer Harden Scholarship. A full ride. I ran outside and yelled to a group of construction workers nearby, “I just got a full ride!”. They celebrated with me. It was one of the best moments of my life.

When I got to NMU, I met with my advisor, Ryan Bond, who helped me figure out my academic path. His dedication really stood out. At some universities, it’s hard to even get time with your advisor, but here at NMU, I always feel like there is someone in my corner. Ryan made sure every class I took counted toward my goals;  no wasted time, no unnecessary credits.

I came to NMU with 78 credits that all transferred seamlessly, something not every university guarantees. That’s a huge deal for transfer students. I’m now using the Harden Scholarship to earn my bachelor’s in history and plan to go on to NMU’s master’s program in English, with a focus on creative writing. I’m even heading to Oxford through a graduate study abroad program, something I never imagined doing when I started at community college.

From my experience, NMU goes above and beyond to make transfer students feel supported. The study abroad opportunities are incredible, and the advising team truly cares about helping students succeed. Outside the classroom, I’ve thrown myself into campus life,  joining club volleyball and soccer, and signing up for everything that caught my eye at Fall Fest. I live in The Woods, where the community has been amazing. My RA helped me find my footing and make friends early on. My advice to any new or transfer student is to start with the people around you. The friendships you build on your floor or in your classes can make campus feel like home.

The sense of belonging here is real. Between the environment, the close-knit community, and the people who genuinely want you to succeed, NMU has become more than just a stop on my journey — it’s home. The difference is in the details: the way your credits transfer, the care from your advisors, and the encouragement from your peers. That’s what makes NMU stand out and what made it the right choice for me.