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Smooth Transfer Leads to Student's New Future
Jessica Vera-Bennett
Department: Education
Class: 2014
Jessica Vera-Bennett thought her childhood dream of becoming a teacher was over. As a high school senior, she discovered she was going to be a mother. She thought working at a daycare center was the closest she’d ever get to having her own classroom.

Then she heard about Columbus State Community College and how she could obtain her associate’s degree; then transfer to Otterbein University to obtain a bachelor’s. “However, the fact that I was a single mom and was barely making ends meet, I held off,” she remembers. “Then in September of 2008, my brother’s life was taken and his dreams and goals were left behind, untouched. That same month I enrolled in Columbus State.”

While working on her associate’s degree, she says “all of the teachers and advisors at Columbus State talked very highly of Otterbein. This made me eager to attend.”

After graduating in June 8, 2012, Jessica met with Mark Moffit, Director of the Adult and Transfer Admission office at Otterbein. “He was amazing. He answered every question that I had even if it was silly. They are always available to answer any question you have and solve any problem you may come across,” she stated.

“The first day I came to visit Otterbein I fell in love with the environment. It was quiet; the staff was so helpful and kind. The classrooms are smaller so there is more one on one with the teachers, which is very important to me because it’s not only about the education but as well as the relationships I create. Every single credit that I obtained at Columbus State transferred over beautifully. I had not one issue which made the process so easy,” she said.

She’s ready to begin her Bachelor’s of Science in Education degree this fall semester, and she knows she’s up for the challenges. “When I started Columbus State I never anticipated that I would actually be any good in school. In high school I wasn’t the smartest kid in the class,” she said. But Jessica realized that for many adult students, “it isn’t about being smart it’s about the effort you put in it.” During her years at Columbus State she was on the Dean’s list at least 5 times and left with over a 3.0 GPA.

Coming from a family of ten siblings, she understands that she’s matured from those early years as a single mom. She’s now the loving mother of two sons. And she hasn’t let circumstances deter her from her dream. She explains, “My advice for other students considering transferring to Otterbein is don’t second guess yourself. You deserve the best education no matter where you come from or who you are. Don’t let your age, current life situation, whether you have one child or three keep you from completing your dream. Continue your education and continue it with Otterbein. If I can do it so can you!”

Transferring from a two-year community or junior college to Otterbein is a smart way to save money, develop skills and prepare for the rigors of a bachelor’s program. Otterbein currently accepts a maximum of 64 semester hours in transfer from any and all two-year schools; and, accepts transfer coursework which is equivalent to courses required for a bachelor's degree from any properly accredited two-year or four-year college or university.

The following two-year institutions have entered into articulation agreements with Otterbein University:

  • Central Ohio Technical College
  • Columbus State Community College
  • Clark State Community College
  • Cuyahoga Community College 
  • Marion Technical College 
  • North Central State College
  • Southern State Community College
  • Zane State College

To find out more about transferring to Otterbein, visit www.otterbein.edu/earndegree, or call the Adult and Transfer Admission office at (614) 823-1356, cardinalinfo@otterbein.edu.