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When Cliff Brantley Jr. transferred to Adelphi three years ago, he had two long-term goals: get drafted by a Major League Baseball (MLB) team and become a lawyer. With one semester left, the ambitious Staten Island native has had the opportunity to fulfill both those dreams thanks to the success he鈥檚 found at Adelphi.

Like many transfer students, Brantley was nervous about the transition to a new school, but the feeling didn鈥檛 last long. After earning a starting spot as a center fielder on Adelphi鈥檚 Division II Panthers baseball team, he quickly felt right at home among his new teammates and peers. 鈥淎delphi accepted me with open arms and my teammates were happy to show me around,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 more of a family feeling at Adelphi, so you鈥檙e not just a number here.鈥�

The close-knit and welcoming environment that Brantley, a political science major, has experienced at Adelphi extends beyond the baseball diamond. The accessibility of the professors also helped to make his transfer experience a smooth one. 鈥淭he professors understand that it鈥檚 an adjustment to transfer in the middle of your college career, and they鈥檝e always been there to help me,鈥� he said.

Since Adelphi accepts up to 90 credits from accredited senior colleges, the transition from Staten Island鈥檚 Wagner College was virtually seamless for Brantley鈥攈e was able to transfer many of the credits he had already earned toward his degree.

Beyond his success in the classroom, Brantley quickly made a name for himself on the field as well. With high hopes of getting drafted, he practiced day in and day out to hone his abilities. Brantley鈥檚 hard work finally paid off in June 2014, when MLB scouts took notice and he was picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays.

(Baseball is in his blood: His father, Cliff Brantley, pitched for MLB鈥檚 Philadelphia Phillies in 1991 and 1992.)

After living out his childhood dream for two years, Brantley鈥檚 professional baseball career was unfortunately cut short due to injuries. However, his drive to succeed has only grown since then. He is now pursuing his second goal of becoming a lawyer and eventually a lobbyist. Upon graduating after the Fall 2016 semester, he will take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and move on to law school.

Brantley credits Adelphi鈥檚 political science program with giving him the tools to think critically and to understand the complexities of arguments, both of which are skills he鈥檒l need as a lawyer. He hopes to one day represent those who have been wrongfully convicted and to make a lasting impact on the criminal justice system.

鈥淢y classes at Adelphi have broadened my understanding of different cultures, and the professors have helped me to look at the world from a new perspective,鈥� he said. Brantley has always been certain of his future career path. At Adelphi, he found the confidence he needs to pave his own way.