How transfer student Scarlett Leos found her place and is building her future.
For Scarlett Leos, Front Range Community College was a place to build confidence.
It was also a haven to find community and prepare for a future in health care. Now, as she continues her educational journey at Colorado State University, she’s carrying those experiences with her.
As FRCC celebrates Transfer Student Success Week, Scarlett’s story highlights the importance of student support, campus involvement and finding the right resources to make transferring a successful experience.
Scarlett started at FRCC in the fall of 2024 and earned her Associate of Science in sports medicine in May of 2026. She began her first official semester at CSU this fall, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in health and exercise science. Her long-term goal is to become a physical therapist and earn a PhD.
Starting College, Feeling Uncertain
Scarlett’s connection to FRCC began in high school, when she took college-credit classes through concurrent enrollment. When it came time to consider college, FRCC was a familiar place to start.
At first, however, college felt uncertain. Scarlett worried about financial barriers and whether higher education would be possible for her.
Learning how to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), along with support from counselors and people close to her, helped her move forward.
Diving in at FRCC
Once at FRCC, Scarlett took advantage of the resources and opportunities available to students. Scholarships, community volunteering and extracurricular activities became important parts of her college experience.
Through the TRIO program, the Latinx Club, Latinx Excellence Achievement Scholars (LEADS) program and the Student Government Association, she found opportunities to connect with other students and grow as a leader.
“Being part of FRCC opened many doors,” she says. “And through TRIO, Latinx club and LEADS I opened up others.”
Building a Foundation
These organizations became more than extracurricular activities. They gave Scarlett a place to express herself, build relationships and help promote student inclusion and cultural expression.
“TRIO aided me in everything, from scholarships, transcripts, guidance and self-improvement,” she shares.
Her experience at FRCC became the foundation for her next step in higher education.
Transferring to CSU
Scarlett had her sights set on Colorado State University early in her college journey. As she pursued sports medicine at FRCC, she remained focused on earning her bachelor’s degree in exercise science and finding a university with the resources to support her career goals.
She also knew transferring might feel overwhelming, particularly when it came to navigating the bigger campus, transferring credits and understanding new processes at the university.
The Ram Transfer Academy—a partnership between FRCC and CSU—helped ease those concerns. Scarlett joined the academy during her first year at FRCC as part of the program’s very first cohort. Through in-person and online meetings, presentations and conversations with CSU representatives, she gradually became more comfortable with both the transfer process and her future campus.
The Right Support
“The RTA supported me from the start and I was beyond excited to be a part of it!” she says.
The program provided guidance and helped Scarlett become familiar with CSU before her first semester began. She especially valued learning from the staff with RTA, and hearing from other transfer students who could share their experiences and answer her questions.
A Smooth Transition
When it came time to transfer her credits, Scarlett was particularly concerned about a summer class. By following CSU’s transfer process and checking in with her CSU advisor, she successfully transferred her coursework.
“The transfer process was easygoing and with the aid of the Ram Transfer Academy I was able to transfer smoothly,” she says.
“They helped me with transferring transcripts, tours and resources at CSU. I was able to feel the same connection from FRCC to CSU and hope to continue many more relationships.”
New Challenges, New Community
Starting at a larger university brought a new set of challenges. Scarlett was excited to explore more specialized classes in her major, but she also worried about fitting in and finding her place as a transfer student.
“But at the end of my second semester, I finally started to feel like I fit in and started engaging more in my college community,” she says.
The connections she built at FRCC helped her navigate the transition. Having classmates and friends from her previous institution gave her a sense of belonging as she adjusted to CSU’s campus and routines.
A Sense of Belonging
Over time, she became more comfortable finding her classes, navigating campus and connecting with professors and classmates.
“The moment I felt like I belonged was the second to third week of school. I had my classes, parking and moving across campus all figured out,” she remembers.
Scarlett also discovered that she wasn’t alone in navigating the transition. Meeting other transfer students helped her realize that many of her concerns were shared experiences.
“I must admit I was scared and overwhelmed by how I was going to fit in as a transfer student,” she remembers. “To my surprise, there are way more transfers than I initially thought. I am so happy to have that support!”
Staying Focused
As Scarlett now settles into her first semester at CSU, she is excited to explore her chosen field of exercise science further and to take classes that connect directly to her career goals.
Keeping up with coursework, studying between classes and engaging in discussions with classmates have helped her stay focused and retain what she learns.
Looking Ahead
Although the transition has required adjustment, Scarlett is finding her rhythm and enjoying the opportunities available at CSU. She has also been inspired by the students around her and their commitment to their academic and professional goals.
Her long-term ambition is to become a physical therapist and eventually earn a PhD. She knows she still has plenty to learn, but the experiences she gained at FRCC and the support she found through RTA have helped her move forward with confidence.
Advice for Transfer Students
For FRCC students who are thinking about transferring to CSU, Scarlett encourages them to trust themselves, ask questions and take advantage of available resources.
“My advice is to always be yourself—never let other people’s opinions wear you down,” she shares. “You can do this!
“Resources are available and never be shy to ask any questions. It might be scary and overwhelming at first, but that is all part of the process, and one day you will hold your head up high and congratulate yourself on your own unique journey.”
Be Patient
She also reminds students that adjusting to a new campus takes time. Even the practical challenges, such as getting from one class to another across a large campus, can become part of the experience.
“Trust me, my classes are all across campus, but that is nothing to be afraid of,” she assures.
“Yes, CSU is big, but once you experience it, those walks or rides will be breathtaking and worth it! I enjoy the animals around campus, especially the squirrels!” she laughs.
Finding Her Place
Scarlett’s journey demonstrates how a strong foundation at FRCC, meaningful campus involvement and access to transfer resources can help students move confidently toward their next chapter.
As she continues working toward a career in physical therapy, she carries with her the relationships, skills and experiences that helped her find her place in college.
