Transfer Stories

Laurie Noyes | She/Her PCC & MHCC | Marketing

Growing up in Gresham, Laurie knew she wanted to stay close to home for college, and PSU checked every box. It was affordable, accessible, and once she started looking into the School of Business, she realized it offered far more than just a degree. "I quickly realized that the school of business had a lot of great resources and connections," she said. "I knew I would be supported both academically and professionally."

Still, walking onto a new campus as a transfer student wasn't without its challenges. Laurie arrived feeling terrified and behind the peers who had gone the traditional four-year route. However, she found the Transfer Center early on, and with it, a community of students who understood exactly what she was going through.

"Once I transferred, I immediately met so many new people who had also transferred," she said. "I found a community."

From there, she leaned into everything PSU had to offer. The Transfer Center's connection to the Career Center opened new doors, and she made a point of attending Career Fairs and utilizing the Career Center to build her path toward a career in higher education.

Her advice to students just starting that journey: "You belong. You've done all the same work your peers have, and you are exactly where you need to be."

Damariz Flores Sanchez | She/Her PCC | Graphic Design, Psychology Minor

Damariz came to PSU from Portland Community College with a clear sense of what she needed: a university that fit her academic goals and made college financially possible. PSU delivered on both. "It best aligned with my academic goals and offered strong financial support," she said.

Like many transfer students, her first days on campus were a learning curve. She wasn't always sure where to find the resources available to her, but she kept showing up, and the people she met made all the difference. Now, she meets with her School of Business career advisor every term and attends Career Center workshops to stay on track as she figures out what's next. She's still exploring her career path, and that's okay.

Along the way, Damariz has built a strong support network across campus, connecting with the Transfer Center, the Women's Resource Center, the Business Career Center, TRIO, and SHAC. The Women's Resource Center has become her favorite place to land.

To anyone nervous about making the leap to a new school, she offers this: "You are not alone and should never be afraid to reach out for help. All of the staff at these resources are incredibly welcoming and supportive. People here genuinely want to see you succeed."