Call her an expert in new beginnings.
After starting college on a small urban campus in Indianapolis, transferring to IU in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic while classes were being taught entirely online, and then finally joining the O’Neill School in-person for the first time as a junior, Dana Weaver feels like she’s “had three freshman years.”
Despite the twists and turns, the South Bend native feels grateful to have landed at O’Neill. In her own words, “Every time I walk across campus or walk into class, I think, ‘This is where I belong. This is where I get to be.’”
In honor of National #TransferStudentWeek, Weaver shares a few of the new things she’s learned as a transfer student.
Exploring a new campus:
WEAVER: I visited some friends here [at IU] during my freshman year of college and got a tour. The campus was beautiful. One of my friends was a management major at O’Neill, and he showed me around the building.
At the time, I was studying environmental science at another college. I wasn’t sure if I had chosen the right major, even though I had a passion for the environment. My friend told me about O’Neill’s environmental management major, and it seemed like exactly what I wanted to do.
Picking a new major:
WEAVER: When I looked at the environmental management course load, I was drawn to the policy and law classes. I was intrigued at the thought of learning about how our government works and about environmental policy and regulation.
I’m definitely learning a lot of practical skills. For example, I’m required to take a public budgeting and finance course. I did not expect to learn how to do my taxes at O’Neill – but I know that many of these skills will benefit me throughout my life.
Joining a new school:
WEAVER: O’Neill has given me endless opportunities and resources – from joining extracurricular activities, to traveling abroad, to just generally feeling included. There’s a big emphasis on inclusion and diversity here, and it’s made me aware of the importance of making sure that everyone’s differences are seen.
Making new friends:
WEAVER: I’ve met a lot of friends through my classes. I see a lot of the same people over and over again, especially within my major. I have a few friends that I met in my online classes sophomore year during the pandemic, but seeing them in person made our connection even stronger. There are going to be hard times each new semester, so it’s helpful to have people to get you through.
Discovering new direction:
WEAVER: When I took Urban Problems and Solutions with Prof. Frank Nierzwicki, I discovered an interest in urban development and planning. Although I’ve always been interested in the environment, I wasn’t sure how to apply that interest professionally. Did I want to work for the government and join the EPA or the Indiana DNR? Did I want to join a large corporation?
Prof. Nierzwicki guided me to the Urban Studies certificate, and the coursework really clicked with me. Plus, a certificate has more requirements than a minor, and I needed those extra credits. It’s also a bit more challenging – and everyone needs a challenge.
Finding new ways to give back:
WEAVER: At O’Neill, I’ve been involved with the Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Association student group and have been able to volunteer with things like removing invasive species from community parks. Recently, a friend and fellow environmental management major started a club called Warmer Winters where we donate winter apparel to people who need it, and I’ve been able to help with some of the promotion. It’s been nice to be able to give back to the community.
Recognizing new avenues for support:
WEAVER: My advisor, Brett Reardon, has helped me immensely. He’s helped me manage my study time and learn the right way to take notes, helped me recreate my resume, and given me tips for my internship interviews. He talks to me like as a friend. I think that’s why my college experience has been so amazing — because I have that resource. I wish a lot more people took advantage of their advisors.
Math really, really is my least favorite subject. When I took statistics last fall, it was a struggle. I had friends in the class, and they helped me through some things — but my professor, Dr. Henry Wakhungu, made a point of reaching out with resources. He definitely is a professor that wants you to succeed and will help in any way, shape, or form.
Also, O’Neill’s required Career Development and Planning course was helpful in developing my professional side. I learned a lot about what interests me, as well as my strengths and weaknesses and where I can improve.
Overcoming new challenges:
WEAVER: Before I came to IU, I had a 3.9 GPA and was on the dean’s list. I was very proud of what I accomplished my freshman year. However, when I transferred, my GPA didn’t transfer over like my credits did – which is just something that happens.
I’m a hands-on learner. I like to ask questions of my professors. Taking asynchronous classes online during my sophomore year – especially some of the harder, more technical classes – really challenged me, and my grades reflected that. When I tried to apply to one of O’Neill’s spring break study abroad programs, I realized my GPA was too low. However, with [my advisor’s] help, I raised my GPA immensely – up .5 or .6 of a point – which is a pretty rare accomplishment. Now, I’m proud of the way that focusing on school, being determined, and working hard to absorb information from my courses is reflected in my grades.
Achieving new goals:
WEAVER: My goal in coming to O’Neill was to learn as much information as possible to apply to a future career helping people. I want to do anything I can to benefit the environment and benefit people’s well-being. If I could take myself back to when I first stated two years ago, it would be crazy to tell my past self how much I’ve learned.
If you’re interested in transferring to O’Neill, learn how to connect with our advising team.
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