Written by Jeanine Horio, Transfer Jacks Peer Mentor
Another Spring semester has come and gone, and our team is yet again, saying goodbye to our graduating seniors. We are very fortunate to have worked alongside these amazing individuals throughout their time as a Lumberjack. The tradition of recognizing our seniors with a medallion to wear at commencement continues and we would like to take the time to recognize our seniors for all their hard work and dedication to the Transfer Jacks Program and to their education and congratulate them on graduating!
Why did you become a mentor? When I first started at NAU, I had a really hard time connecting with the people around me. I was shy, quiet, and anxious about the new environment. The program offered me a home away from home and helped me build enough confidence to make connections and make friends. I wanted to be that connector for others and provide the support that I was so grateful for.
Giselle has made many wonderful memories working with the Transfer Jacks Program, but her favorite was attending Grocery Bingo her first semester here. “The energy was so fun, and we all somehow made Bingo a competitive sport. It was so funny, and I think about it still, many years later.” Her favorite memory as a Lumberjack is one of the many Transfer Jacks field trips to the Grand Canyon, where she made many friendships that lasted for several years after the trip.
“My time at NAU has been chaotic and tumultuous, but I will forever be grateful to have gotten to be a part of-and build- such a wonderful program like Transfer Jacks. My time here has really helped me grow and develop into a competent and confident woman.”
What advice do you have for incoming transfer students? Find your people. They could be anywhere. Whether you find them through a program like Transfer Jacks, or through a club, or by finding rant partners in your classes. Once you find them, things get a little bit easier.
Why did you become a mentor? I wanted to become a mentor because I had a great experience with my peer mentor when I transferred here, and I wanted to provide that same experience for incoming transfer students so that they knew they had a friend on campus.
Leah’s favorite memory working with Transfer Jacks was getting to meet all her mentees and coworkers. “I have met really amazing people through this program, and I was so excited to see my mentees grow and develop as the academic year went on.” Since being at NAU, Leah has joined Tau Sigma Honor Society and Tri-Alpha Honor Society and served as Treasurer as both honor societies.
What advice do you have for incoming transfer students? Go to the events and meet with your mentor. Your mentor can connect you with different clubs and resources on campus to help make you feel more welcome and find a community here on campus. Go to all the events that you can because this is your only time to do it! You are never going to relive these years so absorb all the experiences you can!
Why did you become a mentor? I wanted to help shy and introverted people like me adjust to NAU!
Tiff’s favorite memory working with Transfer Jacks is Mentor Lock-In. “So much fun spending time with our coworkers, now close friends!” Since being at NAU, Tiff has become a member of Tau Sigma Honor Society and Tri-Alpha Honor Society and served as Historian for Tau Sigma.
What advice do you have for incoming transfer students? Don’t be a hermit! Go out and make some friends.
Why did you become a mentor? I wanted transfer students to experience a smooth transition and to feel a sense of belonging.
Leilei’s favorite memory working with Transfer Jacks is the friendships she made with her fellow peer mentors. Since being at NAU, Leilei has become a Peer Academic Coach with the Academic Success Center, a member of the Pre-PT, exercise science, and HAPA clubs. Her favorite moment as a Lumberjack has been the independent aspect of being away from home and being able to make a new name for herself.
What advice do you have for incoming transfer students? Connect with your peer mentor and find a club or organization the best resonates with you. Building a new support system played a crucial role in my success here.
Why did you become a mentor? My peer mentor really helped me adjust to NAU. She was the first person I had contact with and encouraged me to join Disney Club. Without her, I would have been lost! I became a peer mentor because I wanted to return the favor I received and help others like me!
Jen’s favorite memory working with Transfer Jacks is the relationship she made with her fellow peer mentors and other transfer students. Since being at NAU, Jen has joined the Disney Club, Tri-Alpha Honor Society, and Tau Sigma Honor Society. She has served as the Historian for Tri-Alpha and the Vice President for Tau Sigma. Her favorite memory as a Lumberjack was going to the Homecoming Carnival with friends. “Such a great time! Plus, we went to Chili’s afterwards.”
What advice do you have for incoming transfer students? Meet with your peer mentor! We’ve been through what you have, and we can help with almost everything! Plus, it is nice to have someone to talk to. Also, get involved! My extra curriculars helped me enjoy my time here.
“Thank you to my parents and sister for hearing me have a mental breakdown once a week! I did it! Thank you to my friends for making my time at NAU so memorable!”
Why did you become a mentor? I met with my mentor my first semester and she was such an amazing addition to my support system. I moved 3,000 miles away from home and from my family, something she understood and could relate to. With how supportive my mentor was, I wanted to return the favor and become that person to other incoming transfer students. I have loved working with Transfer Jacks since my first day with the team.
Jeanine’s favorite memory working with Transfer Jacks has been meeting the people she has worked with. “Three years and three different teams. I’ve been so fortunate to have met so many amazing people that I know I will call my friends for the rest of my life.” Since being at NAU, Jeanine has become a member of Tau Sigma Honor Society, and has served as Vice President and President. She has also become a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and has served as Secretary and Vice President. Her favorite memory as a Lumberjack NAU is the Homecoming Carnival.
What advice do you have for incoming transfer students? Take advantage of the resources available to you! There are so many different resources available and using them can help create a better experience for you. Finding the different resources for things I needed help with throughout my time at NAU really helped me.
Congratulations to all our graduating seniors. We wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavors and we cannot wait to see what they will accomplish in the future.