Transfer Student Profiles
Rhonda Obaugh
Graduating Class: EMU Class of 2020
Hometown: McDowell Va
College/University you transferred from: Blue Ridge Community College
Major: Social Work
Why EMU?
I chose to transfer to EMU for many reasons, including the social work program, location, and the cross-cultural component of EMU. The Social Work program offers intimate class sizes, interesting learning experiences and opportunities to collaborate with different departments. Harrisonburg is a great college town that has a lot to offer students. Also, EMU has unique cross-cultural opportunities for all of their students. These include semester long study abroad trips, summer trips and other more local opportunities, allowing students to find the perfect fit.
What was transferring like for you?
At first, transferring to EMU was challenging socially. Thankfully the community here at EMU really made me feel welcomed as a transfer student. I was able to easily connect with campus events, classmates, and professors.
Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
Because transferring can be a challenge, I would encourage a student starting their college transfer search to spend time discovering what is important to them in a college. Then, they will have an idea on what colleges might be a perfect fit.
Alcinda Brubaker
Graduating Class: 2020
Hometown: Keezletown, Virginia|
College/University you transferred from: James Madison University
Major: Digital Media and Communication, Marketing
Why EMU?
1) I come from a Mennonite background and campus is right outside my hometown so it just felt right . 2) The Visual and Communications Arts department has a great reputation and I was also interested in the new Marketing major/minor. 3) The student to professor ratio is also perfect for my learning style.
Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
Transferring is a big transition and another chance to pursue a degree so make sure to thoroughly consider the location, major program, and student involvement opportunities so that you thrive the second time. Higher education allows you to learn, grow, and follow your passion confidently from the classroom to the career field so think of graduation day and which institution’s diploma you’ll be proud to be holding that will be your key to success in the real world.
What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at EMU?
Being the social media content creator for my Student Life Marketing internship and spending time with friends and attending events in Common Grounds.
Alema Tewelde
Graduating Class: 2020
Hometown: I’m originally from Adigrat,Tigray, Ethiopia but have lived in Harrisonburg
for 4 years
College/University you transferred from: Blue Ridge Community College
Major: Computer Science
Why EMU?
I chose EMU because I wanted to study Computer Science. Finding a community that supports my goals was really important to me. Since I’ve been here, I have really enjoyed the Professors and their guidance in the classroom.
What was transferring like for you?
I met Katie at BRCC and she helped me prepare for the transfer process. She reviewed my transcripts and made recommendations on courses to complete at BRCC. She helped me every step of the way which was excellent. I definitely recommend transferring to EMU, the faculty and staff care about your future and goals.
