Out of all the undergraduate students here at Cal Lutheran, about 11% of them are transfer students. People tend to underestimate how difficult it can be for transfer students. These students have missed the orientation activities we had as freshmen on campus, and have also missed out on some of the experiences other people in their class have had because they weren’t there during the first, and maybe even second, year. However, among those 11%, Cal Lutheran gained a student with a positive outlook on life, an incredible personality, goals for herself, and a love for meeting new people and forming new friendships. This student is Taylor Kettle! She is a junior here at Cal Lutheran and she’s involved in a variety of activities on campus. Taylor provides insight into the perspective of being a transfer student and advice on how to make the most out of transferring.
Photos courtesy of Taylor Kettle
Her Campus Cal Lutheran: What’s your major?
Taylor Kettle: My major is Exercise Science with an emphasis in Health Professions.
HCCLU: Why did you choose to go to Cal Lutheran?
TK: I chose Cal Lu because of the welcoming and inclusive campus atmosphere, small class sizes, and ideal location.
HCCLU: What are some of the activities or clubs you’re involved in on campus?
TK: I joined the intramural soccer program last year, and I am still on the team this year. At the end of last year, I decided it would be fun to apply to become an RA since that would give me another opportunity to meet new people and help them get acclimated to campus life as well.
HCCLU: What’s your dream job?
TK: With my degree, I plan to attend graduate school to become a Physician Assistant, specializing in either family medicine or orthopedics.
HCCLU: Favorite thing about Cal Lutheran?
TK: My favorite thing about CLU is the amount and variety of activities that it provides for any and every student. There are so many different, fun things going on either on or off campus, that there is always an opportunity for you to get involved.
HCCLU: Why did you choose the first university you went to and what made you decide to transfer?
TK: I transferred here after my freshman year of college at Troy University in Alabama. The only reason I went to Troy was because I was offered a scholarship to play on their volleyball team. It was definitely tough leaving my family in California. After my first year, I came to realize that so many hours of working out, practicing, traveling, maintaining good grades for grad school, and balancing self-care and a social life all at the same time was extremely exhausting. Troy, Alabama is also in the middle of nowhere and there isn’t much to do.
HCCLU: How long had you been playing volleyball before you transferred here? Do you miss playing volleyball?
TK: I started playing volleyball in 7th grade and continued playing both soccer and volleyball all the way through high school. I ultimately chose volleyball because I felt like it would provide me with better opportunities, and yes I really miss it.
HCCLU: What was that like when you made your decision to stop playing? Did you struggle with that decision?
TK: When I decided to stop playing, I felt like I was letting everyone down. I felt like a quitter, but the more I thought about it and realized this decision would be best for my future, I came to accept it and not care what others thought about it. It was so difficult for me to make the final decision mainly because of my family. I had worked so hard and they had supported me all the way and I just really felt like I was giving up on them. However, my parents were adamant about me knowing that my happiness was most important. They knew I was exhausted and they only want to support me, so of course they helped me figure out plans to continue my education without volleyball. It was such a big change going from being an athlete at a division one school to a regular student at a small division three school. Although it is a huge difference, I love it here at CLU. I am able to focus so much more on my academics and personal life, I definitely feel it will be more beneficial to my future.
HCCLU: What was it like to be at a university where you’re focusing on volleyball, to go here where you seem like you’re focused on several different activities and responsibilities?
TK: Playing intramural sports has been a lot of fun and is obviously less demanding than being on a university team. I’m really glad I was able to find a balance of fun and competition at the same time.
HCCLU: Was it difficult being a transfer?
TK: It was difficult coming from Troy, where I was on the volleyball team, and had created a family with my teammates. My first semester at CLU, I didn’t have that family environment and didn’t feel like I quite had a role on campus. However, that all changed when I started trying to get more involved and meet new people. Now, I am an RA in Trinity, and I meet new, amazing people every day and I live with three roommates that I know will be life-long friends. Taylor Kettle on her move in day at Cal Lutheran
HCCLU: Do you have an advice for transfer students or students who are thinking about transferring?
TK: My biggest tip for transfers is to really put effort into making a difference in your happiness. As long as you do your best to make yourself happy, opportunities will arise and it could end up being the best decision of your life. Don’t give up!
HCCLU: What’s your coursework like? What’s the hardest part about being in your major?
TK: The workload for my major definitely keeps me busy. I have no idea what the hardest part of my major is, except for sometimes just not understanding things no matter how hard you try. This semester I am in Physics, Biomechanics, Motor Development, and American Political Thought. Although it is tough at times, I just focus on my future goals and do the best that I can to get to where I want to be.