We love National Transfer Week here at CVTI, mostly because many of our own student veterans are themselves transfer students who have navigated not only the leap from military service to higher education, but also the transition from a community college to a four-year college or university.
Take Adam Hamid ‘27GS, for example. A Marine Corps veteran and a Nassau Community College transfer student, Hamid became a CVTI VA Ambassador over 2 years ago when he started at Columbia GS and has been instrumental in supporting the veteran community on our campus. Outside of CVTI, he served as Milvets Treasurer, Election Task Force Secretary on the General Studies Student Council (GSSC), and worked towards his investment banking career objective, securing a summer analyst position.
His story is one of betting on himself, embracing uncertainty, and finding strength through connection to others.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when you chose to transfer?
Honestly, the hardest part was making the choice to leave a situation I really loved. I had a job I enjoyed, I was comfortable where I was, and things were stable. Choosing to transfer meant walking away from that to chase a bigger dream with no guarantees. It was not just a logistical decision. It was a real trade-off between security and potential. I had to bet on myself and accept that it could go either way. That moment of deciding to take the leap was definitely the toughest part.
What is something that you wish you had known before transferring?
I wish I had known how important it is to open a dialogue with your professors. They’re really there to support you, but you have to take that first step. I also wish I had realized earlier how valuable it is to build relationships with your classmates. School isn’t just about getting an education. It’s also an opportunity to build a support system that makes the whole experience a lot easier and more meaningful.
When everything was hard, what kept you going?
What kept me going was the fact that I had a clear vision of why I made the decision in the first place. I knew I had taken a risk to build something bigger for myself, and quitting wasn’t an option. I also knew this was going to be hard, so when I was in the middle of it, I would remind myself that this is just what hard feels like. That's what grounded me. I leaned on the support of the people around me and kept my focus on the bigger picture. That combination pushed me through the tough moments.
If you had to convey one message to a veteran in a community college looking to transfer, what would it be?
I’d tell them to get really clear about their goals. As a transfer student, you’ll have less time than your peers who started at the school from day one. The clearer you are about what you want, the more intentional you can be in how you spend your time. That focus allows you to maximize every opportunity your new school has to offer.
