In May, Linden Cundiff walked across the stage at Samford University’s spring commencement ceremony, a moment that marked the end of a college journey she chose to reshape through transferring.
Cundiff began her college experience at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she valued the academic rigor and location. But something was missing.
“I was struggling to find the true community I had hoped for in college,” she said. “Both of my parents went to Samford, and I had seen the lasting impact it had on their lives. After attending Step Sing during a weekend home, I realized I wanted to be part of that same kind of community.”
That realization led her to transfer to Samford, where she double majored in communication studies and law, politics and society in Howard College of Arts and Sciences. During her time on campus, Cundiff found what she had been searching for: intentional relationships, a sense of belonging and a strong academic foundation.
“Whether it’s professors in the classroom, faculty across campus or even older students who make time to welcome you, Samford always offered a place to belong,” she said. “There’s truly a pocket of campus for everyone.”
As former president of Lambda Pi Eta, the communication studies honor society, Cundiff stepped into leadership and found a second family within the Department of Communication and Media.
“Transferring was the best decision I’ve made,” she said. “It doesn’t mean I didn’t value my first college experience—if anything, it made me more grateful for what I found at Samford.”
Cundiff encourages prospective transfer students to approach their transition with openness and energy.
“Dive right in,” she said. “Get involved, apply for opportunities and know that whether you're here for two years or four, Samford can become just as much your home.”
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