When Heena moved to Boston, she had no clue how to start her college journey. Everyone around her said the same thing:
“Start at a community college. Then transfer.” Her response? “Nope. Not me.”
Here’s how she figured it out—and what she thinks now.
Why She Skipped Community College
Back in Nepal, Heena had gone to top schools. She’d worked hard in biology all through high school.
So when people suggested community college, her first thought was:
“Why would I start over at a smaller school? I’d rather go back to Nepal than downgrade.”
But looking back, she admits:
“Honestly, it wasn’t really a downgrade. It was just me being stubborn and not understanding how the system worked.”
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How UMass Boston Happened
Instead of following the crowd, Heena toured every university in Boston—Northeastern, BU, even MIT—before landing at UMass Boston.
The turning point?
Meeting an admissions officer who was a total lifesaver.
“She helped me with my entire application. No essay, no stress. I got in within 6 months.”
🌟 What She Learned
Today, Heena sees both sides.
“Community college can be strategic. You save money, adjust to US academics, and then transfer. But direct entry worked for me because I wanted the full university experience.”
Her Advice to New Students
✅ If budget’s tight, don’t sleep on community college.
✅ But if you’re ready for university, go for it—you’ll grow fast.
✅ Either way, tour schools, talk to advisors, and don’t just rely on what others say.
Her Takeaway?
“Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Do what feels right for you—whether that’s a small start or jumping straight in.”
