Transfer Student Advisory Board (TSAB)

Hello, fellow Foster transfers! My name is Aartdina Boysen (she/her). I am a non-traditional, first-generation transfer student and self-proclaimed community college connoisseur (West Los Angeles College 2014-2015, Bellevue College 2016, North Seattle College 2017-2020). I transferred to UW Foster in Winter 2021. My concentration is Accounting, with intent to attain CPA licensure and a Masters of Science in Taxation. I am passionate about small business, having worked for various individual and family-owned businesses for over ten years (three and a half years of which were in administration and management). My ideal career would utilize my experience and education to help advise and assist small business owners, especially those in marginalized communities.

I am devoted to both exploring what it means to be a non-traditional student and to de-stigmatizing unconventional educational (and personal) journeys. I believe transfer students contribute a unique and valuable perspective to academia, and that it’s critically important for us to have a community of our own – as well as feeling equally welcome to the UW and Foster School of Business as traditional/direct admission students.

I look forward to working with TSAB to advocate for current and prospective transfer students as we achieve our goals – personal, professional, and educational.

Although I’ve spent 2 years being a college student, nothing could have truly prepared me for my first quarter at UW. I transferred from Shoreline Community College into Foster in Fall 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. The whole environment at Foster was completely different from what I was used to, from the size of the classes to the number of group projects it had. And of course, we can’t forget the infamous grading curve. This may all be challenging at times, but know that it’s not impossible, after all, you’re here at Foster and that’s certainly an achievement!

The most important thing to remember is that the graph to success is not always linear and that success itself can come in different forms–it’s not all about your grades! So make sure that you find a balance, at least have an idea of what you want to do in your academics, but also find time to join RSOs, attend events and take advantage of all that is offered here at Foster.

It’s easy to feel lonely, even when you’re not alone, and taking that first step to reaching out may be hard, but it only gets easier from there. Whether it’s about class recommendations and deciding concentrations or about what to eat on the Ave, I’m here for you as a mentor, resource, and friend. I’d love to chat, please don’t hesitate to contact me!

I am a business owner and student focusing in Accounting and Information Systems. I transferred to the Foster School of Business at UW from North Seattle College in the summer quarter of 2020. I did not anticipate how intense the workload at UW would be compared to community college, making it much more difficult to balance my work and school life. The first couple of quarters were rocky, but it inspired me to learn valuable time management skills that have helped me to juggle my obligations since then. Thanks to the example set by my father, an immigrant entrepreneur with a killer work ethic, I am motivated, inspired, and proactive in pursuing my goals.

I’m so grateful to have the privilege to be studying subjects that interest me immensely and that will propel me into my dream career. Even with remote learning at the UW, it’s been exhilarating attending virtual classes and connecting with other students in new ways. I’m excited to make lasting connections with my classmates as we return to in-person classes in the fall this year. As a member of TSAB, I want to offer my experience and support to fellow transfer students that may face similar challenges as they adjust to the course load at Foster.

Hello!! My name is Lesly G Duran, & I’m a transfer student from Grays Harbor College! As an incoming student at UW Foster, I was very intimidated in going through another higher education system by myself. Due to my parents living in another country. However, this led me to becoming self-motivated in everything I do. Now, I can proudly state that I have been very involved in RSO’s within both schools such as; ASUW. TRiO, BEA, FGBL, ALPFA & many more to come for the upcoming school year!

Before my first quarter in Foster I didn’t know how I would be able to keep myself accountable for balancing everything out! However, I recommend staying involved in making connections, creating friendships, and meeting with your advisors, faculty, and staff! Foster has so much to offer, and if I could go back, I would have taken action sooner in reaching out to clubs that sparked my interest.

Overall, you decide who you surround yourself with, so take control now and pick wisely! Creating your future in becoming that successful business person! I’m here for anything you may need on your way to thriving! Please contact me anytime! I look forward to meeting you!!

Following the completion of my associates at South Seattle College I transferred to Foster winter quarter 2020, where I am now a senior studying accounting. I was born and raised in Seattle, although I lived in Colorado for several years while I was stationed on Fort Carson when I was in the army. I’ve always felt that we draw great strength from our communities, and I am committed to helping build bonds among the diverse population that calls the University of Washington home. I take great pride in being a member of the Michael G. Foster School of Business, and I hope to see that joy reflected in all the future members of our talented student body. In my free time I enjoy running, cycling, and swimming – as well as the multitude of other outdoor activities afforded to us by the awe-inspiring geographical zone that the UW inhabits.

I transferred to UW in Winter 2021 and my focus is in Operations and Supply Chain Management. As a queer transfer student community is important to me. The TSAB has made the transition from Bellevue College to Foster smoother and I can’t wait to get more involved. Outside of Foster I practice martial arts, write, and do various arts and crafts. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Hello! My name is Sierra and I transferred into Foster from Bellevue College. I transferred in during the pandemic and have never been to campus before (at least not for classes, I have been to see the cherry blossoms of course). I am excited to be able to go back to campus soon to get the full Foster experience! Transferring in during the pandemic has given me a unique perspective on how to get used to classes and the general Foster environment and I am eager to ease the transfer experience for others.