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National Transfer Week: Transfer Student Spotlight

For many students at Salt Lake Community College, the dream of earning a bachelor's degree from a four-year institution is within reach. However, navigating the transfer process can be daunting. National Transfer Week is designed to serve as a bridge to success, providing students with valuable information and resources to facilitate a smooth transition.

Student at a table, talking with a representative from another college

On Oct. 16, Salt Lake Community College kicked off National Transfer Week with the University Transfer Fair where representatives from SLCC's university partners visited the Taylorsville Redwood Campus to answer questions about their programs, discuss transfer requirements, offer guidance and assist with transfer admissions. Four-year institutions such as University of Utah, Utah State University, and Utah Tech University all visited SLCC campus. 

If you missed the transfer fair, there are many transfer events at SLCC that happen throughout Fall and Spring semester. For more information and a calendar of events visit: SLCC Transfer Center Website.  

Here is an alumni spotlight and transfer advice from one of our amazing transfer students, Katya Pilkington. 

Image of student with glasses

Name: Katya Pilkington (they/them)

When did you attend SLCC: Spring 2020 and Spring 2021 (skipped Fall 2020). I also previously took SLCC courses as a concurrent enrollment student throughout my junior and senior years of high school (2015-2017).

What was your major/degree: Writing Studies (AS)

When did you graduate SLCC: Graduated Spring 2021, transferred to the U in Fall 2021.

What was your experience like at SLCC: I had already bounced around a bit in higher education before I transferred to SLCC -- I had already attended two universities, changed my majors/minors multiple times, and got an associate’s in General Studies from Utah State University. 

While at SLCC I spent a semester majoring in Computer Science before switching to Writing Studies in a sudden realization/acceptance of how much I missed the English: Creative Writing major I was when I first started college. I had great experiences in the courses I took through both programs at SLCC, even among the abrupt upheaval of the pandemic. I had meaningful, engaging coursework and connected well with instructors who seemed to really care for their students. 

What was your experience transferring to the U: While I was at SLCC I learned about the Writing Studies Scholars (WSS) program at the U that supports SLCC students transferring to the U who declare a major/minor/certificate in Writing and Rhetoric Studies. WSS is ultimately what made me decide to transfer to the U, and helped me make connections and access the resources I needed to finally complete a bachelor’s degree.

In many ways, I was unprepared for how different the U was compared to SLCC or even the other universities I attended -- the number of students, faculty and staff, the sheer size and physical logistics of navigating a campus built into the side of a mountain, the increased commute time and tuition costs, and locating and understanding the various resources available to me as a student were all overwhelming at times. However, the amount of support and encouragement I received from some key faculty and staff really helped me settle into the U and feel connected to various communities across campus.

What are you studying at the U: Writing and Rhetoric Studies (BS), graduated in August (Summer 2023 semester)

What are your goals/plans after graduation: At this point, I have no clue what I’m doing with my life -- I’m navigating through some significant health issues and figuring out what my life can/will look like as a neurodivergent + disabled individual. So for now I’m focused on taking care of myself and taking things one day/week/month at a time.

What would be your advice to SLCC students who are thinking about transferring: Spend time reflecting on what you want from your transfer/general college experience(s). What things/experiences do you value the most? What does higher education and obtaining a college degree mean for you? How might transferring help you achieve your goals? Are there particular subjects/classes/opportunities that fit your interests or learning styles? Do the costs (tuition and fees, but also course materials, parking, etc.), modalities (including days/times courses are usually offered, as well as student resources) and location work for your circumstances (for example, my commute to the U was a much bigger issue than I had anticipated)?

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