For new students, the transition to college life can be an exciting and memorable experience. For me, college marked a new beginning and provided the first chance at independence. However, this was also a scary and stressful experience. But what about those who have already become accustomed to the college life at a school other than Judson, and are now making the adjustment? Does this make the transition easier, or harder? Furthermore, what draws people to Judson? Luckily, transfer student and volleyball player Chakia Hinkle could provide me with the answer to these questions.
Chakia transferred to Judson this semester from Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee, where she was also a member of the volleyball team. Chakia heard about Judson from her sister Marsha Hinkle, who is also taking part in the Judson experience for the first time as a freshman. When I asked Chakia to note some major differences between Judson and her previous school, she mentioned two things that I am sure many new students often do: dress code and mandatory chapel.
In addition to these changes, Chakia explained what it was like joining a new team. “The transition from Martin’s volleyball team to Judson’s was tough at first, I had to leave a team that I considered to be family, but I am now accepting my Judson teammates as my sisters as well,” Chakia said.
After hearing about the love and appreciation Chakia has for her Judson teammates, I realized that the college experience is not all about new found freedom, academics, or athletics. More importantly, it is about creating unity, which is one thing that Chakia loves about Judson. Although Chakia recently switched majors and is not yet sure of her academic future, she is excited to simply take in the experience.
While at Judson, Chakia hopes to find something that she loves to do and make a career out of it. She expressed that “being an athlete at Judson has offered me the opportunity to play the sport I love while making a lifelong family.” Whatever her future holds, Chakia is confident that her new-found Judson family will push her to succeed and do whatever it takes to help her along the way.