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These students once stood exactly where you are right now—planning their future and wondering what’s possible. They began their journey at PGCC, worked hard, trusted the process, and are now proud students at the University of Maryland.
They’ve chosen to share their voices to inspire YOU. Their stories are proof that with the right support, determination, and guidance, your goals are absolutely within reach. Let their experiences motivate you as you take the next step toward becoming a UMD Terp.
Your journey starts here. Your success story could be next.
Chavez, Ashley
Fall 2025
At PGCC, I majored in Business Administration and received a certificate in Marketing Management. Now, I'm majoring in Marketing and minoring in technology and corporate innovation.
"Community college does not determine who we are or where we will go — it is a tool, a chapter in our educational journey — that has allowed me to be more involved with my people, my community, and give back to the place that raised me while preparing for my transition to the adult life and a four-year institution. I advise every future transfer to use your time at Prince George's Community College as a resource and not a label to who you are as a learner and who you will be as an individual. It is an underestimated pathway you are taking that takes you so far if you put the effort in and seek what you are missing rather than waiting for it to come to you. Best of luck!"
Garner, Stella
Fall 2024
Journalism and Public Relations to Journalism
"PGCC's transfer services were incredibly helpful in ensuring that I felt I had everything I needed to prepare for applying to UMD. I was confident that I knew not only the steps and materials needed for my application through the Maryland Transfer Advantage Program, but also what my experience at UMD would be like and how I could best prepare for such a shift in my post-secondary experience."
Acero, Daniela
Fall 2025
PGCC- Psychology. UMD-Psychology
"Community college to university is the best financial decision to a better future."
Ahnora, Ozor
Spring 2025
Criminal Justice-PGCC, Criminology & Criminal Justice- UMD with a minor in Global Terrorism
"My advice for the future transfer students will be for them to START EARLY. Start applying to schools of interest immediately the application opens and apply to every and any scholarship no matter how small it is, because the scholarships tend to add up. Once every application is turned in early, you are able to freely navigate if you forget anything."
Alafiatayo, Ayonimofe
Fall 2025
Public health
"My transfer journey was very smooth and simplified because I made sure to meet with a transfer advisor and the advisor for my major at the start and end of every semester to make sure that I was on the right path every time."
Ali, Ahmer
Fall 2025
Computer science
"The transfer process isn’t very hard you just have to know what you are doing and making sure you are doing the right thing."
Alyasiri, Ali
Spring semester 2026, I applied in the fall in 2025
My major at PGCC was Biology, current major at UMD is Public Health Science
"Transferring to UMD was both exciting and overwhelming. There were moments of stress and doubt, but I learned that progress doesn't come from having everything figured out, it comes from asking questions, seeking help, and moving forward one step at a time. Don’t try to do everything at once. Instead, focus on one thing, give it your best, and master it."
Andrea, Martinez
Fall 2025
General Studies at PGCC --> Family Health at UMD
"Even if it seems tedious, never give up or become discouraged! Talk to your advisors (both at PGCC and UMD), do as much research as possible, and never be afraid to reach out to someone. Take advantage of all of your resources, and trust that it will all be worth it in the end!"
Daheu, Bishop
Fall Semester 2026
PGCC - Computer Science UMD - N/A
"My journey to UMD wasn’t walked alone, it was shaped by a community that challenged, inspired, and uplifted me. From PGCC to UMD, every conversation, connection, and opportunity, whether through DMSI networking events or the my fellow classmate that led me to SMLP, they all played a role in my growth. I’ve learned that the right community doesn’t just support you; it pushes you forward. I stand today not just as one student, but as a reflection of what’s possible when driven people come together.”
Davis, Jasmine
Fall 2025
My major at PGCC was general studies. My current major at UMD is public policy.
"I have developed tremendously since I started at PGCC in 2023. My time at PGCC has opened my eyes to what I want to do with my future and has afforded me many opportunities I wouldn’t have had access to if it weren’t for PGCC. For future transfers, I advise that you join organizations on campus because the connections you make can open up doors for you and facilitate not just professional development but also personal growth."
Duonguyen, Vivian
Fall 2025
General Studies at PGCC; Hearing & Speech Sciences at UMD
"Don’t let hesitations be how you define your PGCC journey. Throughout my PGCC career, I kept one thing in mind when interacting with my environment — community college will fly by fast. I knew and understood deeper that you don’t have as much time to get comfortable as other students at different institutions. At PGCC, I’ve had the opportunity to experience this school both as a regular student and an active student leader. In such little time, I got to experience different opportunities, people, important challenges, and left with a full feeling. And majority of how this all happened was from taking a chance."
Harvin, Christina
Fall 2025
Mass Comm and PGCC and Cinema and Media Studies at UMD
"My time at PGCC was transformative and I enjoyed becoming a new version of myself."
Lima Cardona, Jason
Fall 2025
My major at PGCC was Engineering and now it is Computer Engineering
Lima, Ardany
Spring 2026
Computer Science. Currently computer science and math
Nwabuisi, Mechelle
Spring 2025
Computer science
"Transferring to UMD from PGCC was one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. It pushed me to grow academically and personally while connecting me with a diverse, driven community. My advice to future transfers: don’t be afraid to ask for help even from your peers, stay organized, and believe that your unique journey matters you belong here."
Okojie, Leeroy
2025 Spring
Major at PGCC was general studies. Major at UMD is Information Science
"My whole transfer journey is surrounded by this quote: “ “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:18 NLT” it is a reflection of all the trials and tribulations I had to overcome to make it to UMD"
Olaoluwa, Chosen
Fall 2025
Biology in PGCC, Physiology and Neurobiology in UMD
“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.”
— Ecclesiastes 11:1, NKJV
Potts, Richard
Spring 25
Biology, A.S at PGCC -> Public Policy B.A & Science Technology Ethics Policy (STEP) Minor
"Don’t take your time for granted at Price George’s Community College. It is a great college and community. Reach out and make connections there. Once an Owl, always an Owl!"
Siga, Marcjoel
Fall 2025.
My major was General Studies but now at UMD it is information science.
"Don’t let hesitations be how you define your PGCC journey. Throughout my PGCC career, I kept one thing in mind when interacting with my environment — community college will fly by fast. I knew and understood deeper that you don’t have as much time to get comfortable as other students at different institutions. At PGCC, I’ve had the opportunity to experience this school both as a regular student and an active student leader. In such little time, I got to experience different opportunities, people, important challenges, and left with a full feeling. And majority of how this all happened was from taking a chance."
Stafford, Destini
Fall 2024
Criminal Justice; Criminology/Criminal Justice
"In the beginning it was pretty challenging to adapt to a big school especially being a person of color. My advice is to put yourself out there and find where you fit in. Doing so will allow you to have a good time here at UMD and prevent you from feeling lonely. There's always at least one place on campus you will feel welcomed and supported throughout your journey at UMD."
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