Kaylena Harrell

Student
Graphic Design & Art

Her previous college never felt like home. After just one visit to Penn College, Kaylena found what she was looking for—a community. Today, she's building her network and her graphic design portfolio. And she couldn't be more at home.

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Q&A with Kaylena

WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE PREVIOUSLY AND WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR?

Previously, I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and studied interior design.

DID YOUR CREDITS TRANSFER SUCCESSFULLY AS YOU HAD HOPED?

Almost all of the credits I hoped would transfer, did. The credits that I had to retake at Penn College felt worth it after the courses though!

HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT PENN COLLEGE?

I found Penn College through my family and searched online to learn more about the campus.

DID YOU VISIT CAMPUS BEFORE YOU TRANSFERRED HERE?

I took a tour of the campus and talked with last year's senior students to learn about the department I would be taking classes in. They were working on their capstones and gave me advice on things to look forward to in my upcoming studies. When walking around campus, everywhere felt very comfortable and home-like.

WHAT WAS YOUR IMPRESSION OF THE LABS?

The labs felt cozy and comfortable. They were up-to-date and knew I would have access to everything I needed while in the labs.

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE HANDS-ON APPROACH TO LEARNING?

I have always been a hands-on learner. Penn College’s hands-on approach drew my attention from the first time I heard about the school. At my last school, my first year was very lecture heavy compared to Penn College. After my first year here, I have completed numerous projects that I am proud of. The ratio of professors to students at Penn College is a lot closer than my previous college. Before, it was difficult for me to participate in classes because there were large class sizes. Now, I get to participate as much as I wish within a class period and I leave each class confident in what is expected for assignments and homework.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TRANSFER TO PENN COLLEGE?

I was hoping to have a more professional education after I made the decision to change my major. The staff at my previous school were great, but I knew that Penn College had a great reputation and could help me network with the type of companies I would like to work for.

WHAT WAS MOST HELPFUL ABOUT THE TRANSFER PROCESS?

My transfer counselor was more helpful than I ever could have imagined! He was there in any situation I needed help with.

WAS THERE ANY PART OF THE TRANSFER PROCESS THAT CONCERNED YOU?

I was worried that transferring at the age I did I would have a tough time connecting with students that were just out of high school. I have made many great connections with students and staff across campus of all ages!

DID YOU FIND A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE AT PENN COLLEGE WHO SUPPORT YOU?

I found support within the graphic design students and that comes naturally with giving good advice and taking good advice as well. I have grown so much in the past year because of the graphic design community at Penn College.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO NEW INCOMING TRANSFER STUDENTS?

Be open to making new connections and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

WHAT TYPE OF CAREER DO YOU HOPE TO PURSUE?

After graduating, I hope to become an art director or web designer. It is important to me to work with a company with a good mission. Eventually, I hope to develop my graphic design company.