Rachel Hill

History Major with a Double Minor in Political Science and Legal Studies

“I came to Sam after a 2.5-year break from college. I was filled with doubts and uncertainties regarding my collegiate journey and was worried about succeeding academically, making friends, and getting the most out of my college experience.

Upon arriving at Sam, I immediately got connected with a female transfer support program called evolve. This program connected me to a community of other transfer women and ensured that I did not have to navigate this experience alone. I was able to finish my first semester at Sam on the president's list and have been able to maintain that streak for the past 2 years. I have forged healthy and long-lasting friendships in which I made some of my favorite memories. Also, I have developed an academic and professional network through evolve that continues to open doors for me and my future! I loved evolve so much that I became a student assistant for the office and am an ambassador for the program. I am involved in some other wonderful organizations and programs as well such as the Pre-Law Society and the Elliot T. Bowers Honors College.

Sam Houston is a university that cares for its transfers and I'm so thankful that I chose to come to this university."

Jasmen McCreary-Russell

Integrated Studies Major

"I transferred here from Lonestar College Tomball. When I first got here, I knew no one and campus was a lot bigger than Lonestar. Trying to make friends your first semester as a junior in a new college is hard because everyone already has their friends.

Eventually life at Sam Houston became easier. I was able to make the friends I wanted my first semester here, and some of my friends from Lonestar came here. I believe the main thing that was different after my first semester is that I talked to more people, joined TRIO, and Eventually joined Evolve.

After talking and joining groups I made more friends. I didn't feel like I was hiding in my bedroom doing homework. Now I have people who are willing to do study nights with me."

Makayla Hoover

Film & TV Production Major

"Since transferring from Florida State University, I have felt very welcomed. It was hard when I attended FSU because I had no family and friends out there. Furthermore, the university did not have any programs or resources that were geared toward out-of-state or transfer students.

When I arrived at SHSU, I got an entirely different reality. One of the resources I took advantage of was the evolve program for transfer females. Since joining, I have gotten opportunities to me meet public figures and create a community amongst like-minded students. Furthermore, I am now a student worker for the evolve office.

Overall, I would definitely recommend any potential transfer student to be a part of such a wonderful experience."

Paige Ozbirn

Psychology Major with a Minor in Applied Behavior Analysis

"I graduated from Lone Star College - Tomball in 2021 and decided to transfer to SHSU. Transferring was difficult for me because I was leaving the support system I had made at Lone Star to begin at a new school where I only knew two people.

One of the first things I did when I transferred was become a member of TRIO. I was heavily involved in Lone Star's TRIO program and was hoping to do the same at SHSU. I also tried to attend as many events on campus as possible. I had a really hard time my first semester at SHSU but I received a lot of support from TRIO and I am now a TRIO ambassador. I plan to graduate in May!"

Elizabeth Gillilan

Mathematics Major with a Minor in Philosophy

"Transferring can feel overwhelming—starting over with a new campus, new professors, new friends. Especially coming to SHSU during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was worried how I would figure everything out. Fortunately, I found an amazing family here who helped me through the transition and made me feel at home.

I am so grateful that Sam Houston has organizations like TRiO and evolve for students like myself. They took me in and showed me the ins and outs of campus so it felt like I had been here all along. In fact, the excellent student support and community was a major factor in my decision to transfer to this school. I am so glad I came to Sam Houston State University."