The Pierce Transfer Day event on Wednesday gave students an opportunity to learn about the different resources provided by four-year institutions at the Pierce Mall.
Some of the schools at the event were Grand Canyon University, California Lutheran University, University of California, Irvine and California State University, Northridge.
Transfer Center Director Sunday Salter said that the Transfer Day Event offered an opportunity for students to interact with schools that are not usually accessible, or are unfamiliar to students.
“We had over 40 different universities here,” Salter said. “We had schools coming from far away. Our students tend to focus on the UCs and CSUs, which are great schools, but we also want to encourage our students to think outside that box and see what else is out there.”
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission of the University of San Francisco Justin Nkemere explained the different approach the school takes when it comes to their curriculum.
“We are discussion based because we are a more intimate type of education setting,” said Nkemere. “We keep it discussion-based because it is a lot easier for students to bounce ideas off each other. By talking with each other, doing the readings, doing research with each other or for each other, and really putting things into perspective.”
Nkemere said that the school believes discussion-based learning helps students not only obtain the knowledge necessary for the course, but make sense of what they are learning.
Kinesiology major Derick Cano shared what he learned about a school that he thinks may be a good fit for him.
“One of the schools I spoke with and felt really comfortable with and could offer me great opportunities is Grand Canyon University,” Cano said. “They offer kinesiology and they offer the sport I really want to play. It is also an out-of-state college and I really like to travel and explore.”
Cano also said he was able to learn about the resources available at Grand Canyon University.
“I really want to go, it is private, but I learned the financial aid is great. They offer great loans, grants, everything you need,” Cano said.
Students also had the opportunity to learn about career options that are in some majors that they may not be familiar with.
Associate Professor of the Family and Consumer Science Department, Food Science Option Rosalia Garcia explained what can be learned in her department.
“We have different options that cover things that are important under a house’s roof,” Garcia said. “Specifically in food science, our students learn about the changes that happen in food. When you cook them, when they are preserved and we talk about the nutrient content of food.”
Garcia also listed other options in the Family and Consumer Science Department, such as consumer affairs, family studies, fashion design and merchandising, and interior design. She also listed possible career choices available after students graduate.
“Students, when they graduate, can work as quality assurance or quality control managers in food manufacturing companies,” Garcia said “They can also work in product development in food companies and dietary supplement companies.”
Salter expressed that the Transfer Day Event is her favorite event of the year.
“Finding a college that is the right fit for you is the most important thing,” Salter said.
“If you are happy and you are thriving with your instructors and the students there and the vibe on the campus, you are going to do better in your classes and have more success overall.”
Myraneli Fabian contributed to this story.
