Every October, National Transfer Student Week recognizes the efforts, challenges, and triumphs of transfer students across the country. This year, we asked a few College of Public Health transfer students about their experience transferring to Temple and their plans for the future. 

Jamie Jacob 

Major: Speech, Language and Hearing Science 
Expected graduation year: May 2024

"After graduation, I hope to gain a few years of work experience before pursuing a master's in speech pathology and healthcare administration. 

"I transferred to Temple because academically it is a great school. I also love that it is in the city, I think this gives a great advantage for many opportunities for students. Temple has also provided me with opportunities to participate in multiple student activities such as the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, New Transfer Student Taskforce, and Phi Theta Kappa. I have made many great memories here at Temple. My favorite memory was at Owlchella where I was able to watch some of my favorite artists perform at Temple!"

Lydia Earp

​Major: Public Health
Expected graduation year: May 2024 

"I am currently crafting my medical school application with the hope of submitting in 2024. I plan to eventually receive a dual degree (MD/MPH). I aspire to incorporate my interests of patient advocacy, health literacy and community engagement into how I will practice medicine.

"I took a few years off from school. As I was planning to return to college, I researched schools in the area. I found that Temple offered the major I was interested in continuing and was a larger school than I was used to, which would create opportunities for me to cultivate professional and personal relationships. I am a MARC scholar under the Maximizing Access to Research Careers training program, which allows me to work as a research assistant at The Center for Obesity Research and Education. I also intern and hold a leadership position at Temple University Hospital in the patient experience office in a program entitled At Your Service. Occasionally, I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Off-campus, most of my time is filled with family and friends; when I can fit it in, I enjoy painting too!

Sydney Jones

​Major: Social Work
Expected graduation year: May 2024

"My ultimate goal is to get a PhD so that I can use my perspective as a social worker to research the lingering effects of New Deal-era discriminatory housing policies and the ways in which living in housing that is in significant disrepair impacts health and emotional well-being.

"I love that Temple offers a diverse environment and faculty and that its School of Social Work is highly regarded. I am super passionate about housing and economic justice, which is reflective of the internships I've been fortunate enough to have. I am spending my senior year as an intern at the City of Philadelphia's Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) for my social work practicum. CEO's mission is to advance economic justice and eliminate racial disparities, so it has been the perfect placement for me. Last summer I worked at the Philadelphia Housing Authority, which was also a wonderful experience. I am also on the e-board for Alpha Delta Mu, which is Temple's chapter of the National Social Work Honor Society.

"I’ve really enjoyed hanging out with my friends at the Ritter Annex 5th floor lounge. This is basically the hub of the School of Social Work, and you can always find a friendly face up there. Additionally, I will always cherish the memory of how supported I feel at Temple by the School of Social Work faculty. I was never met with anything but excitement and encouragement. It's something that has made a significant difference in my life."

Macy Kilmer

Major: Recreational Therapy
Expected graduation year: May 2024

"I am currently working on becoming a certified therapeutic recreation specialist! I want to help people find meaning and purpose in their lives.

"I am a third generation Temple student. My grandmother went here, and my parents met here. It just felt like Temple is where I was meant to be! I have really loved being on Temple’s campus. There are so many different food trucks/places to try and many study spots around campus where I can meet up to study with my classmates.

"The recreational therapy program requires students to complete two field-based clinical internships. I was able to complete one of my internships at Frankie's World Medical Day Care Center, whose mission is to improve the lives of children with medical needs and their families. I helped facilitate all activities throughout the day like story time, dancing, arts and crafts, eating skills, reading, and sensory play. My advice to students participating in internships is to get out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in the experience. Participating in an internship gives you an opportunity to discover your strengths and determine what you still need to gain more experience in."

Shimei Brown

Major: Exercise and Sport Science
Expected graduation year: Fall 2024

"I plan to pursue a master of science in athletic training and eventually a doctor of athletic training. As I continue my education, I hope to make a difference in my field and encourage other little girls to enter fields like athletic training, where Black women make up less than 9%.

"I always knew I wanted to come to Temple University. I knew they offered great programs such as the exercise and sport science program and the master of science in athletic training program. My advisors and a lot of Temple's staff made my transition a lot less stressful for me and put me on the path to success.

"I currently intern as a student aid with Temple Football's sports medicine staff. I am also a student ambassador, which is a program for undergraduate student leaders who share their unique experiences of Temple with prospective students, families, alumni and community members and promote the college in a variety of ways.

"I enjoy going to any on campus events that Temple Main Campus Program Board offers to students. One of my favorite memories at Temple was enjoying water ice on top of Mazur Hall when it's hot."