Every year, Loyola welcomes new students from different colleges to be a part of the Wolfpack and embrace its spirit.

“Each fall we enroll approximately 125 new transfer students. The
 transfer students are as diverse as our first-year students in their
 geographical spread,” said Keith Gramling, director of admissions.

Transferring to a new college can be challenging with adjusting to a new environment and finding new friends. For theater and communications senior Khephra White, transferring to Loyola was a “jarring” transition.

White transferred from Delgado Community College in spring 2010. White said it was difficult at first transitioning from a community college to a university.

“At the university, school is your job. The classes were more challenging coming from a community college. Here at the university, even with 15 hours, it is hard to balance school and my job, and those were my struggles,” White said.

White describes her encounter with the Loyola community as “warm and welcoming.”

“You wonder if they (people of Loyola) are just being friendly, but after being here, I still feel the family vibe. From the teachers to the students’ interactions and concern for each other, I see Loyola as a community. They care for everyone and your well-being once you step foot on this campus. That’s something that cannot be a phase,” White said.

As for making friends while at Loyola, White said she felt it was challenging at first, and she felt isolated being in a new environment not knowing anyone. She said students have to make the effort to put themselves out there to meet new people.

“Once you start interacting with your classmates, it becomes easier to find peers. Keeping to yourself will not give you any success, and it’s unhealthy being isolated,” White said.

“I found everyone to be generous. Coming here was the best decision I have ever made,” she said.

Shamara King can be reached at [email protected]