PSU Transfer and Returning Student Resource Center

Time for our Friday Spotlight!
Sophia (she/her) is a returning student at PSU, majoring in Liberal Studies and planning to graduate this Winter 🎉

Tell us about our returning student journey.
💚 I attended Linfield college 1995-1998. In 2012, I decided to return to school and transfer to PSU. During my final year, my financial aid ran out due to exceeding the credit limit. In December 2022, I decided to contact PSU and see how many credits I needed to graduate and look at my financial options.

I spoke with a returning student advisor and was absolutely thrilled with the news I received, and it just kept getting better from there. Everyone I contacted at PSU was so helpful and informative. Shayna, a returning student advisor, ran a few scenarios through DARS with my completed courses and helped me figure out I only had one class to finish my degree. They gave me a detailed list of what to do from there on out. I contacted April from the Financial Wellness Center, who helped me with the Last Mile Fund application. Meanwhile, I contacted a Language, Culture, & Meaning Advisor, Jon, who not only was quick to respond, but told me that due to all my prior coursework he would request to have my final class waived; all I needed to do was apply to graduate!

What are you looking forward to?
💚 I am excited for new adventures, possibly moving on to get a Master’s Degree, and seeing what opportunities this has opened up for me.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
🥘 ⚾ 💎 I like keeping life simple. I love cooking, hanging out with my family and pets, hiking on a nice sunny day. Beading and making jewelry when I'm feeling creative. I’m also a huge Portland Pickles Baseball fan, hence the "dill city" hat.

Do you have any advice to share with students thinking of transferring to PSU or returning to higher ed?
💚 Reach out to the PSU staff-- there is always someone to help, that is exactly what they are there for. It may be hard to ask for help, but it is much easier with help and guidance.

Thank you, Sophia, for sharing your valuable experience with us 🎉✨🎉 . .
✍️ Got a story to share? Complete our Student Story form: bit.ly/trsrc-transfer-story

Happy Friday! Each week during Fall term the Transfer & Returning Student Resource Center (TRSRC) would like to introduce each member of our team! This week we are spotlighting Jay, part of the TRSRC Student Staff Team!

Jay (He/Him) is a student experience support specialist at the TRSRC. Originally from the Bay Area in California, Jay moved to Portland to attend Portland State University and is a Civil Engineering major with a minor in Mathematics.

What other roles on campus/off campus or student clubs/organizations are you involved in?
💚 Currently, I am involved in the Student Community Engagement Center (SCEC) as a shift lead for Blanchet House, as well as a volunteer for the PSU Food Pantry here on campus.

Why do you enjoy working at the TRSRC, or the work that you do?
💚 Working at the TRSRC is a fun experience as I get to benefit myself while also working in a healthy work environment surrounded by other fun and respectable people.

What do you like to do in your spare time, outside of work?
🗺️ I play video games and explore around Portland!

What advice would you give to current or incoming transfer students?
💚 The best advice I could give is to just focus on yourself in order to become the best person you are.

We are very fortunate to have Jay on our team of student workers! Thank you, Jay, for being a value to the TRSRC and PSU community 🎉 🎉 🎉

✍️ Got a story to share?
📲 Complete our Student Story form: bit.ly/trsrc-transfer-story