Why I’m taking this leap…

I started my undergraduate education at Purdue University. Having graduated high school during the pandemic and not being able to visit colleges, I accepted my offer without truly understanding the school environment. After spending 2 years here, I have met some of my closest friends, joined and led different communities, and soaked in everything the university had to offer. I have loved my time here with no regrets.

I am grateful for the relationships formed, opportunities given, and a sense of belonging in the Purdue community. Over the last few months, I have deeply reflected on experiences that fuel my personal growth and interests. I have decided it is best for me to transfer into UIUC (The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) in Fall 2022. I will be finishing the rest of my undergrad in junior and senior year (the next 2 years).

This may be surprising and unexpected to many. The reasons behind my decision →

1. Growth

I felt that I was not personally content in the university ecosystem. I have leveraged what resources Purdue has to offer and am not growing as much as I could. UIUC has various student opportunities and larger organizations that I can immerse myself in. I have everything to gain and nothing to lose by diving into a new environment.

2. Environment

The atmosphere at Purdue is lively but the student culture does not seem to be the best fit. An engaged builder community is still developing. UIUC has an active, compelling student body with ambitious individuals that I want to be surrounded by. I envision myself thriving around like-minded people who are as driven and hungry.

3. Interests

My current academic coursework at Purdue is valuable; however, the content covered does not match my current interests. UIUC’s degree is flexible and enables me to take a variety of subjects that build onto my developing skillset. I strive to learn about relevant topics and stay curiously motivated given that college is a very expensive investment.

Having traveled regularly this year, I was fascinated by UIUC’s alumni network talent and size. I have held great conversations with active students and graduates and I imagine I will be sparking more intellectual discussions. Although I will be starting fresh at a completely different school, I am confident that I can make the most of my time there and have memorable experiences. I look forward to embracing the unexpected.

This was a tough decision, but I am eager to make this next move. UIUC was the original school I have always wanted to attend. Yes, I may have to restart my social circles and rejoin student organizations, but it is an opportunity for me to meet new student groups and form new friendships. I am ready for this transition in my education.

Leaving college midway is never an easy call and I will surely miss the energy and deep connections in these great communities. I will be keeping in touch and visiting Purdue :)

A new chapter.