Students filled the room, not just to listen, but to imagine what could be possible for themselves. The Transfer Success Playbook, a two-day event that took place Feb. 10-11 am North Lake Campus, was organized by Phi Theta Kappa.
The event brought back Dallas College alumni who transferred to four-year universities with scholarships ranging from half tuition and full rides to stackable scholarships. Instead of hearing general advice, students heard real stories from people who once sat in the same classrooms and walked the same halls.
Dr. Rick Smith, North Lake campus president, said the idea immediately stood out to him. “I think this is an outstanding event, because me, as an administrator, I’m personally who did this 40 years ago. I can tell a student something, but it’s not really going to register. It’s not going to hit the same. But if you hear a recent graduate alum say the same thing, who went through a very similar journey, I think it’ll resonate more,” he said.
Smith also reminded students of the financial value of continuing their education, sharing national salary averages and encouraging them to keep going. “The journey that you’re on will absolutely pay off for you,” he said.
The event was inspired by a simple but powerful idea. Subah Ahmed, chapter president of Alpha Beta Eta and a computer science major graduating this year, said she wanted answers for herself.
“As an international student, I had questions, because I’m also transferring. I need scholarships. I need full-ride scholarships,” Ahmed said.
She explained that, while advisors are helpful, students do not always get the exact answers they are searching for. After meeting a student who earned a full-ride scholarship to UT Austin, she thought, why not bring those stories to campus?
Her advice to students was powerful. “Never give up, because you’re going to work on yourself,” she said. “Don’t stop reaching to people. If somebody says ‘no,’ look somewhere else to get that ‘yes.’ Keep on digging until you get your dream.”
Cristian Henriquez, SGA president and PTK vice president of leadership at North Lake Campus, explained that the project was built to be sustainable and open to everyone, not just PTK members.
“Our goal of this project was not only to provide the practical tips, like how to do your essay, how to apply, how to get for help, but mostly the belief, the belief they can transfer to these top universities,” Henriquez said. “Let’s make this project to not only help students like me but help any other student now and in the future.”
The team reached out to around 80 alumni across Texas and other states. They focused specifically on those who earned half and full-ride scholarships. It was not easy. Privacy policies limited access to alumni information, and many former students were working or in class during the event time. Some speakers had to pre-record their messages.
That belief came to life through the alumni stories. Each speaker shared a different path. Madeline Carrillo spoke about transferring to the University of Southern California in 2023 after starting at Dallas College in 2021. She received the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, which supports high-achieving community college students.
Carrillo talked about building a resume that matches your goals and writing essays that are personal and honest.
“At the end of the day, the last person who helped me was myself, because you have to believe in your ability to do whatever it is that you want to do in life,” she said.
Jazmine Lopez shared her journey to Pace University in New York. She explained how planning ahead, organizing deadlines and staying close to advisors made a difference. She also emphasized the importance of recommendation letters that she got from her employers.
“Apply to every university you want to, even if you don’t think you’ll get in. It could be that you’re exactly the person they’re looking for,” she said.
Habiba Kouadio talked about choosing Texas Woman’s University over Southern Methodist University, even though SMU offered her full tuition. She carefully considered research opportunities, affordability and long-term goals. She also explained the difference between a personal statement and a statement of purpose, and how mentors helped her through the process.
“Embrace progress over perfection, and you’ll achieve more than you ever thought possible,” Kouadio said.
Rory Etienne discussed transferring first to TWU and then to University of Texas at Dallas to study public health. He spoke honestly about living with invisible disabilities and adjusting socially and academically after transferring. For him, finding the right environment mattered most.
“Regardless of where you go, just finish the degree. You chose to invest in yourself and you deserve a seat at the table,” he said.
Brandy Merrell shared how she transferred to Texas Christian University with a 3.9 GPA and strong campus involvement. She encouraged students to tailor their resumes, use essays wisely and not let rejection stop them. “Don’t close doors that are yours to close. Ask the questions. Tell your story and go where it feels like home,” Merrell said.
Nomvuyo Makhathini, who is also an international student, spoke about transferring to Southern Methodist University after earning major scholarships, including the Myers McCoy Scholarship and the North Texas Community College Scholarship. She talked about stacking scholarships, building relationships with professors and taking advantage of research opportunities, including funded research abroad.
“Don’t sit back. Even if you doubt yourself, apply. The worst they can say is ‘no,’ but there’s always other opportunities,” she said.
Throughout the two days, one theme stayed clear. These alumni were not perfect students with perfect journeys. They made mistakes, asked questions, faced rejection and kept going.
With only about 30-percent of Dallas College students transferring to a four-year university, events like this aim to raise that number. For many students in the audience, especially first generation and international students wondering if they are good enough, the message was clear from every speaker: believe it is possible, prepare early, and do not stop until you get your dream.
The Transfer Success Playbook was more than an event. It was proof to current students that people who once walked these same hallways are now thriving at universities across the country and that they can do the same.