For many students, Kirkwood is just the first stop on their educational journey before they transfer to a four-year institution to finish their degrees. Kirkwood alum Ravin Keele, who recently transferred to Mount Mercy University, shared their experience.
What are you majoring in?
I am majoring in biochemistry. I am considering a minor in psychology as well.
How was the transition from Kirkwood to Mount Mercy?
It’s been different. The classes are more stressful. At Kirkwood, I got a lot of the easier classes out of the way, so now it’s mostly just the more focused, higher-level classes I’m working on.
How would you say Kirkwood helped you?
It helped me get prepared. It’s like dipping your toes in the water. I don’t know if I would have been able to just jump into classes at Mount Mercy, especially after so many years away from school. Kirkwood had a lot of support and reassurance for classes that I struggled with. There’s also the financial component as well. I got so many gen-eds out of the way without having to pay all that money.
What are aspects about Mount Mercy that you like?
I wasn’t sure what to expect with the class sizes. The classes are smaller. One of them only has 12 students; it’s pretty cool and very strange at the same time. They have fun things here like they have at Kirkwood. There’s bingo night, stuff like that. We have a new football team here. Last weekend was Homecoming; that was wild.
What do you want to do with your degree?
I’m not entirely sure yet, to be honest. I have a couple different routes I can take with it. I’m just focused on what I’m doing right now. I still have a bit more time to figure out what comes after.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
I would have paid a bit more attention to what classes I took at Kirkwood. There are some classes I still need to take that I could have taken while I was still there. My first year, I was just kind of signing up for whatever. If I was doing it all again, I would have had a more focused approach.
What would you say to someone looking to transfer to a four-year school?
I’d say to make sure you pick the best school for you. Tour as many schools as you can. Get all the little details figured out as soon as possible and talk to your advisor as much as you can to make sure your classes can transfer.
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