Transfer student finds welcoming, supportive ‘home’ at UD

From the moment Gabriella Trincia stepped foot on the University of Delaware’s campus, she knew she was home.

Unfortunately, she had to find that out the hard way by going elsewhere first. Trincia’s mother was a UD alumna, but growing up 15 minutes away from campus in Hockessin, Trincia thought she wanted to be further from home. She enrolled at Towson University as a forensic chemistry major but wasn’t happy and found herself home every weekend. 

“It was a tough first year,” she said. “I didn’t feel connected to my classmates or professors and felt really isolated. 

“I constantly wondered how things would be different had I chosen to go to UD.” 

Those intrusive thoughts pushed Trincia to transfer. This fall, she enrolled at UD as a sophomore majoring in applied molecular biology and biotechnology in the College of Health Sciences (CHS). So far, the experience has been great.

“The professors in UD’s Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences (MMSC) have been so inviting,” she said. “They’re so passionate about their subject matter. I feel like they’re just as excited as I am.” 

She loves it so much that she plans to enroll in the Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology 4+1 BS/MS program. 

The transition has been seamless.

“It’s such a relief,” she said. “UD is everything I wanted out of my college experience.”  

Trincia, who also has a minor in forensic science, said all her credits from Towson transferred.

“I was switching majors, so I was so surprised how smoothly the transfer process went,” she said. “I had to take one additional biology class.” 

Trincia also plans to take advantage of UD’s Winter Session. 

“I’m taking anatomy over Winter Session, and I’ll be on track to graduate on time.” 

She credits Academic Advisor Susan Coffing for making the transfer process easy. 

“I met with her three times via Zoom, and she helped me figure it all out,” she said. “She ensured all of my credits got applied in the right places and advised me on classes I should take each semester; she was so helpful.” 

Initially, Trincia was worried about commuting but says it hasn’t been a problem.

“I’m always on campus and can stay with friends in their dorms, so it hasn’t been a problem.” 

Trincia already had some friends on campus before transferring, which helped her feel welcome, but she’s also made new friends.

“A lot of people I hang out with are people from my major,” she said. “I’ve also met people in other classes and clubs.” 

Trincia is still looking for ways to get involved. She hopes to join a budding biotechnology club and is a member of the influential CHS Student Advisory Board.  

“It’s such a diverse group of people from different majors,” Trincia remarked. “It’s been a cool opportunity to get facetime with Dean Farquhar and voice your opinions to people of authority who can make positive change.” 

If she could change anything about the transfer process, she’d love to see a volunteer mentorship program for transfer students.

“It’s been great, and I’m really happy at UD, but adjusting to a new environment can be hard,” she said. “I was lucky to know people; it can be nerve-wracking and overwhelming if you don’t know anyone.” 

She foresees this club or organization as a guiding light for transfer students.

“I’d love to see a group that helps transfer students immerse themselves in all things UD--help them get involved and find opportunities and even help us find each other,” Trincia said. “Transfer students go through things that other students may not understand. I was fortunate to adjust easily, but I know it could be harder for others.” 

Trincia offers this advice to future transfer students:

“If you’re thinking about transferring, you’re likely not where you want to be, and if you’re unhappy where you are, it won’t magically change and get better,” she said. “Put your nerves aside, get over the bump, put yourself out there, and make the change.”

“Once you’re in a new place, take advantage of your fresh start. Meet new people, get involved with faculty and on-campus organizations, and build the environment you want. I’ve done that, and now, I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere but UD.”