Q&A with transfer student, Jonah Marcus
Hometown: Sparta, NJ
High School: Morris Knolls High School
Major: Computer Science
Activities: Martial Arts Club, DJ Club
Why did you decide to transfer to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø?
I was at a college where the student life did not suit me. I was looking for a place
that had a wider variety of things to do on campus and that fostered an environment
in which students actively participated in clubs and college events.
What does ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø offer you that your previous college did not?
I've never felt like ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø shortchanges one program relative to another. Though
ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø is known in part for its strength in the arts, all of its programs are roughly
equal in their high quality. The College clearly values all of its departments and
their students' ability to get a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education. I've taken
different electives in several different departments, and I've always felt like I
was getting great instruction. Moreover, Saratoga Springs is a fantastic college town
with lots to do, and ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø itself is only a short distance from the heart of downtown.
What advice do you have for others considering transferring to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø?
If you're going to transfer, start the process as soon as possible. I waited until
the last minute, and while I don't regret transferring, I would have saved myself
a lot of stress if I had started earlier. Additionally, if you come here, get involved
in clubs ASAP, even if you're only in one. I met my current friend-group at a Martial
Arts Club meet, and my college experience wouldn't be the same without them. ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø
has a ton of things to do, but you have to take the initiative to get involved. Showing
up to club meetings is probably the easiest way to do that.
Are you glad you transferred?
Absolutely! I'm getting an excellent education, the student body here is very involved
in clubs and events, Saratoga Springs is great, etc. Even though I wasn't happy at
my old school, I felt like transferring to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø was running towards something
positive more than it was running away from something negative. That realization is
what made me decide I wanted to transfer here.
What are your future hopes/plans?
I'm a computer science major, and after I graduate I would like to work in the cybersecurity
field. I'm also a Japanese minor, so I'd like to spend some time in Japan, too.