Finding a New Path: Meet Poole Transfer Student Cole Hood

For many students, the journey through college is a straight line. But for Cole Hood, a junior majoring in economics at Poole College, that path has taken a few twists and turns. Originally from just outside Raleigh, Hood’s journey to the Wolfpack wasn’t simple — but worth every step.

Hood started his college career at UNC Charlotte (UNCC), where he spent three semesters immersed in a changing array of academic interests. Hood initially pursued business, switched to engineering, and then circled back to business before reaching a breaking point in Fall 2023.

“I was very upset about the way my life was going, and I considered dropping out of school,” Hood recalls. His father suggested an unconventional solution: study abroad.

That decision took Hood to Costa Rica for the Spring 2023 semester. He found himself surrounded by a mix of American and Costa Rican students, studying Spanish and taking general education courses. It was a transformative time that pulled him out of the mental fog he had been struggling with, giving him a fresh perspective on life and education. 

After his semester in Costa Rica, Hood knew he needed a change in his academic environment. The choice to transfer to NC State for the Fall 2024 semester was influenced by both proximity to home and a desire for a stronger sense of community.

“I thought NC State would have a great culture,” Hood explains. “I was right. Wolfpack pride is evident in how students behave, the things they say, and how they treat each other. It’s something you really have to experience yourself by just walking around campus.”

While transferring wasn’t without its challenges — such as having to reapply after his study abroad experience and ensuring credits transferred properly — Hood feels he made the right move. The sense of pride and challenge at NC State is a stark contrast to what he felt as his previous institution. 

The transfer process wasn’t entirely smooth. NC State’s policy that doesn’t allow new transfer students to study abroad immediately after transferring complicated Hood’s plans, and figuring out how to get his Costa Rican credits transferred from UNCC to NC State proved tricky. “The way that works is very odd, but I’m glad I got at least one credit from it,” he says.

Hood credits Toyette Sullivan, associate director of academic advising in Poole College, with helping him navigate these challenges.

“She’s been an invaluable resource,” Hood says. “After dealing with uninformed advisors at my previous school, I’m glad that NC State has given me the support I need.”

Now at Poole, Hood is thriving. He’s involved with SailPack, the university’s sailing club, and has made new friends through his classes, although being a commuter student has made getting involved on campus more difficult. “Another piece of advice for students who may consider moving back in with their parents after moving out: it’s not as easy as it seems,” he says.

Despite these hurdles, Hood is determined to make the most of his time at Poole and NC State as a whole. He’s already thinking about studying abroad again. “College is chaotic, and that’s okay. Relationships change, majors change, goals change — but every day is day one, especially while we’re in college.”

“Transferring is difficult … Give yourself some grace as you adjust, make new friends and find your place.”

For students considering transferring, Hood’s advice is simple but powerful:

“Transferring is difficult,” he says. “Don’t pretend it’s not. Give yourself some grace as you adjust, make new friends and find your place.” He emphasizes that while it might feel like starting over, it’s all part of the process.

Looking ahead, Hood’s goals are clear. He’s focused on graduating, moving into his own space and continuing to build relationships with those around him. After all, as Hood puts it, “The only constant in life is change.”