“Making The Choice”:
Trials and Triumphs of A Transfer Student
at DePaul University
As the Winter 2025 quarter winds down, I reflect on my journey—two quarters completed, one more to go before finishing my junior year at DePaul. Just four more quarters until graduation. How did I get here?
Three years after earning my associate degree, I made the choice to return to school. It was a shift, a moment of clarity. Making a big move like this can feel daunting, but when you know… you know. This is the story of that decision—the moment I chose to take the next step.
WHEN I “KNEW”
I landed my first internship through City Colleges of Chicago’s One Million Degrees program, a professional development initiative connecting students with companies. As a marketing intern, I completed key requirements alongside my manager, ultimately “graduating” from the program.
That internship led to a full-time role, where I worked for three years, eventually becoming a salaried Marketing Specialist. While proud of my progress, I felt something was missing—key skills that could push me further. Despite accomplishing meaningful work, I often felt stressed and stagnant. During salary renegotiations, I asked myself: In five years, will I be satisfied if nothing changes? The answer was an immediate no. To reach my goals, I needed to refine my skills and take a leap. That’s when I knew—it was time to leave my job and return to school full-time.
DECIDING ON DePaul
As I write this for DeBlogs, DePaul University’s outreach platform, I hope to connect with high school seniors considering their next step, transfer students weighing their options, or those—like me—returning to school after time away. Once I knew I wanted to go back, the next challenge was deciding where. With countless schools to choose from—public, private, in-state, out-of-state—I had to start with the most important question: What’s my major?
Initially, I considered Columbia College due to my creative background, but the costs didn’t align with my goals. With nearly six years in marketing—three spent directly on email, SMS, graphic design, photography, and video editing—I saw the impact of creativity in capturing attention. Advertising and PR made sense. But my real-world experience also taught me something crucial: data drives decisions.
While in a professional setting, I sometimes struggled to justify ideas with the numbers needed to “sell” them to the decision makers. In marketing, the numbers can make or break. Recognizing this area for improvement, I shifted my focus to a degree in Digital Marketing, a degree that blended creativity with analytics. Finally, where to apply?
I thrive in small classes, so I ruled out UIC for its large lecture halls and big crowds. Columbia felt impractical financially. Then, I considered DePaul. I knew its name, passed its Lincoln Park campus often, and had friends who were alumni. Smaller class sizes. Professors who care and notable alumni. That felt right. Without a second thought, I applied—nowhere else, just DePaul—and waited—Blue Demon Time.
WHY BLUE IS TRUE TO ME
I wrote my first DeBlog reflecting on my introductory quarter at DePaul—facing “trials” that tested my composure and my ability to embrace the student mentality of being comfortable with not knowing. What kept me grounded was DePaul’s Here, We Do mindset. It may be tough, but the faith and support offered here ensure you’re never alone.
As a transfer student returning after years away, it sometimes felt lonely—especially around Finals. But as my Winter quarter wraps up, I’m more excited than ever for what’s ahead. With the support of DePaul’s community, I’m building connections, growing academically, and even made the Dean’s List for Fall 2024.
I’m eager to keep pushing myself while also knowing my limits, allowing myself grace for mistakes, and holding myself accountable for growth. In retrospect, making the choice to return to school was easy, but knowing when to make it was my journey– a journey that everyone has individually. That journey led me to DePaul—where will yours take you?
Ready to take the leap? Learn more about DePaul and the admissions process below! Check out more student stories on DeBlogs. Hope to see you as the next Blue Demon!
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Marco Garcia | IG: AstroTheProtege | First-Generation Latino Digital Marketing Student