Binghamton student fosters connections with transfer and Jewish communities

Rachel Dashow knew her final destination would be Binghamton.

“I wanted to go to a school with a big Jewish community, and there’s that community here,” said Dashow, a junior transfer student majoring in sociology. “I made so many great friends quickly, and I know they’ll be long-lasting.”

Dashow transferred to Binghamton from SUNY Purchase. Once the Westchester native found a community at Binghamton, she knew she could never look back.

“There’s something special about meeting people at Binghamton, where even within the Jewish community you can meet people of differing backgrounds and perspectives,” she said.

Dashow praised the value of community not only within the greatly interconnected Jewish community but also within the overall transfer-student community at Binghamton. While transferring schools can be a daunting experience, Dashow said she had an easy transition thanks to the support available at the University.

“I would say the Office for Student Transition and Success definitely helps you feel welcome and so does the Fleishman Career Center. And the students here are very kind and welcoming. There’s also so many transfer students that you’d be surprised how many people are in the same boat as you,” she said.

There are also many unique opportunities accessible for transfer students, including a fun trip to the zoo at the beginning of the semester, said Dashow. “I highly recommend you go. After the zoo, we got ice cream! I made my best friends there.”

Not only are there rewarding gatherings, but there are also classes curated for transfer students in all majors.

“I took two transfer classes. One of them was half about getting acclimated and then the other half was more academic. The topic was the science of food, but you didn’t have to be a science major. It was more for beginners. Now I’m taking a writing class,” she said.

Dashow knew she was creating a sense of belonging during Fall Fest, a fall-themed celebration with food, games and giveaways, where she got closer to her roommates.

“It was a big bonding moment with them. I learned a lot about them,” Dashow said. “We had good food and we talked a lot. I remember afterwards, I was talking to my parents and how excited I was about really getting to know them. It made me really excited about the school year.”

Dashow is looking forward to finding internships and continuing to foster the beginnings of her life-long friendships at Binghamton.