Photo courtesy of College of DuPage
Transferring from community college to Elmhurst University already is a significant life step.
Doing it during a global pandemic adds an element of uncertainty. For Hira Qureshi ’22, however, the process went even better than expected.
“Being fully online this semester is definitely a different experience than I had expected to have when I transferred, but it has been a good experience,” said Qureshi, a junior majoring in elementary education. “All of the professors and advisors have been extremely understanding and have done a great job making this semester and transition as smooth and normal as possible.”
Qureshi came to the University from the College of DuPage, where she was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She became interested in Elmhurst after speaking with a transfer representative who put her in touch with the Department of Education.
At Elmhurst, Qureshi has continued to be involved in Phi Theta Kappa. She’s also a member of the Kappa Delta Pi education honor society and the Muslim Student Association.
“Elmhurst has done a great job at providing ways to get involved virtually,” she said. “Everyone here is extremely welcoming. It really is like a small family on campus.”
After graduating, Qureshi plans to teach elementary education at the third-grade level. That’s where she believes she can make a real impact on children’s lives.
“At that age, students are really impressionable, so I will be able to make a difference in our future generations,” said Qureshi, who is pursuing a reading specialist minor. “I want to be a teacher who motivates her students to do their best and succeed every day. If I can help just one student reach their own goals, then my goal as a teacher has been met.”