By Saron Gebereegziabhier
Trinity Times Correspondent

For many students, choosing a university is about more than just academic programs — it’s about finding a place where they feel supported, included, and challenged to grow. 

For some students who transferred to Trinity Washington University in the 2024 fall semester, finding the right fit for their higher education journey came the second time around.

Kayla Wittig, a sophomore majoring in history, transferred to Trinity from the University of Delaware after realizing she needed more personalized care in her academic path. 

“I believed I would receive the support I needed,” Wittig said, adding that she had taken a semester off to reassess her goals and was searching for a smaller, more supportive school close to home. 

With its clear transfer pathways and strong academic advising, Trinity became her ideal choice.

“My transfer recruiter was the most helpful I’ve ever had,” Wittig said, noting that university officials helped her seamlessly navigate the process of transferring credits and adjusting to her new school. “I am very thankful to have had them.”

With its long-standing commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, Trinity has become a choice for many students seeking a personalized and empowering college experience. 

Rooted in its mission to educate women – particularly in underserved communities – Trinity’s   reach has expanded to embrace students of all backgrounds, with a special focus on inclusivity, community engagement, cultivating leadership, social justice, and academic excellence.

The university’s Washington-Metropolitan location and small class sizes that allow for meaningful faculty-student connections often missing at larger institutions were key choice factors for several transfer students interviewed by Trinity Times, including both Kaletra Perez-Arnold and Anna Sumner.

For Perez-Arnold, Sumner and Wittig, Trinity represents more than just an academic institution — it’s a community that values each student’s unique journey and empowers them to shape their future.

“One thing that has stood out to me about most of my classes is that they all seem very discussion-oriented,” said Perez-Arnold, a sophomore majoring in Global Affairs who transferred from Fordham University in New York, noting she finds the emphasis on conversation a refreshing change.

“My previous institution was very large and, at times, chaotic,” said Sumner, a junior majoring in Global Affairs, who transferred from Howard University to Trinity in part for the expertise of the Global Affairs faculty. “However, Trinity provides better support due to its smaller size and dedicated staff.”

For Wittig – who has cerebral palsy, which primarily affects the right side of her body, alongside additional challenges such as chronic pain, fatigue, ADHD, and autism – Trinity’s disability services and understanding professors have made her transition to the university extremely affirming. 

“It’s definitely a lot to handle,” she said about her physical challenges, noting that the accommodations she has received at the university have been crucial in helping her navigate her classes and responsibilities.

While the transition to a new school can often be daunting, each of these students found their move to Trinity relatively smooth. 

Perez-Arnold described her adjustment as “natural,” encountering no major obstacles, while Sumner faced financial challenges but actively sought assistance to ease the burden. 

“I have been able to secure scholarships to assist on that front,” she said, underscoring the importance of communication and seeking financial aid when needed.

Wittig’s transition was also largely positive, though she initially grappled with understanding which of her credits would transfer. However, with the guidance of Trinity staff, she was able to determine her course requirements quickly. 

“Thankfully, my transition was simple and easy, much more so than my previous college experience,” she said. “As someone who has struggled in the past to get the support I need, Trinity’s commitment to diversity is incredible.” 

As these three women settled into life at Trinity, they discovered a place of belonging and value.

Perez-Arnold’s role as a writing tutor at the university’s Research and Writing Center has provided her an opportunity “to assist my peers throughout their academic journey.” 

Sumner is considering starting a karaoke club on campus to provide a fun and creative outlet for her fellow students and Wittig would like to establish a disability awareness club. 

“Trinity has offered me an experience that is concentrated on holistic student success,” Perez-Arnold said, “while fostering the tools needed for individuals to achieve this independently.”