Admissions

Za'tozia Duffie '22

Class Year

'22

Area(s) of Study

Major in communication and minor in social justice

Transferred From

College of Lake County

Internships

Ogilvie Transportation Center, Chicago

What did you most look forward to about transferring to Lake Forest College before you got here?

I think I was most excited about getting deeper into my field of study. When I got here, I took my major classes in communication, and I soon discovered social justice classes. But most importantly, becoming immersed in just like campus life was exciting. Being a commuter as part of a community college previously, we didn't really have major events, so coming to a four-year college was super exciting in that way, too.

What factors in transfer options influenced your decision to commit to Lake Forest College?

I would say the staff and faculty were very influential. When I was learning more about the school, being able to connect with individuals who were so welcoming and so kind helped me decide on Lake Forest College. Receiving a full-tuition scholarship was an added bonus on top of all of that.

What’s your favorite thing that has changed about your life since attending Lake Forest College?

A lot has changed since attending Lake Forest College. I think my favorite thing about transferring would probably be meeting new people and meeting so many different types of personalities that I didn't meet at my previous college.

What surprised you the most when you got here?

I didn't expect to see so many people of color, if I'm being honest, and I think seeing that I was wrong was just a pleasant surprise. Going to a predominantly white high school and also the college I went to, there wasn't a lot of diversity. So coming here, I was actually pleasantly, pleasantly surprised that there was a lot of diversity. Also, there are so many clubs that accommodate those different identities.

What advice would you have for transfer students considering Lake Forest College?

I would say just looking open is super important. When you're introducing yourself for the first day of class, make sure that you project your voice and that you have energy, because I feel like people are attracted to you even based on that, because that's the first impression. Also, reach out to professors in your field of study and ask them if you can sit in on a class. I got a really great vibe from the professors just through email. And I was like, “Wait, I think I want to be here.” I would definitely say, reach out and do your homework.

Transferring can offer the opportunity to explore different branches of your career path. Has your outlook on your life and career shifted or become more focused since transferring to Lake Forest College?

"I feel like my passion has become even more ignited as far as communication and, more specifically, journalism and social justice. However, now that I have transferred and my eyes have been open to so many more possibilities, I feel like my plans have been confused in the most beautiful way. Now I don't know exactly what I want to do because I know that I can do so much.