To kick off National Transfer Student Week, Jacqueline Rivas Salinas (BA Psychology ‘23) reflects on her experience as a first-generation transfer student.
Jacqueline, a current graduate student in the Counseling Program, transferred from Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) to George Mason University in 2021. Keep reading to discover four pieces of advice she has for fellow transfer students.
You are not alone
I want you to know that you are not alone on this journey and that you should be immensely proud of yourself. I am proud of you.
Jacqueline Rivas Salinas
“When I transferred to George Mason, I joined a Facebook page created specifically for fall 2021 transfer students. Most of the students introduced themselves, and I was able to connect with peers who had similar life experiences. Like me, they were transferring from NVCC, wanted to go to events but had no one to go with, and had many questions. It was a relief that George Mason created this page because I felt like it helped everyone feel less alone. Thanks to that page, I found a group of peers whom I was comfortable going to university events with!
I want you to know that you are not alone on this journey and that you should be immensely proud of yourself. I am proud of you. It is so easy to compare your journey with your peers; however, the most important thing to know is that you are here now – whether it is part-time or full-time.”
Your voice matters
“As a transfer student, I remember walking around the campus and seeing student organizations hosting events in person and scheduled on days and times when I had work. As an undergraduate student commuting to campus, it felt like the only way one can benefit from having a social college experience is if I lived on campus or nearby. The only club I joined was the Tabletop Role Playing Game Club (TTRPG) because it was virtual and flexible. It wasn’t until I joined the student organization executive board that I discovered most organizations are receptive and flexible to what members need. I wish I had reached out to other student organizations’ executive boards so we could collaborate to remove obstacles for students like me who wanted to be involved.
Just because you are a transfer student does not mean your voice does not matter. Do not be afraid to participate in events, to ask for virtual events (especially if you are commuting), advocate for more events inclusive to transfer students, and to apply for leadership positions (even if they are virtual). You would be surprised how flexible some organizations are to have you as a leader in their team!”
Connect with professors
Forming connections can be as simple as talking to the professor after class for a few minutes, scheduling an appointment. . . or even sending e-mails.
Jacqueline Rivas Salinas
“The moment I knew I wanted to apply to a master’s program was the moment I took a UNIV 421 course. I realized my mistake of not connecting with the professors more during my undergraduate experience when I had to research the programs I was interested in.
Picture this: during my last semester, I was emailing multiple professors asking them for a letter of recommendation since the master’s program required it. Some, understandably, said no because they did not have enough material to write about. Others, fortunately, said yes but asked to meet and provide my resume. I remember the weight being lifted off my shoulder when I got my last needed “yes.”
This might be obvious to some, but as a first-generation transfer student with no guidance, it was not. Forming connections can be as simple as talking to the professor after class for a few minutes, scheduling an appointment to go over your recent quiz/exam/progress, or even sending e-mails.”
Apply for leadership positions
“I regret not participating in leadership positions during my time as an undergraduate student. However, I am making up for it now! I hold leadership positions in two organizations: the CEHD Student Advisory Board and Counselors for Social Justice at George Mason. These two organizations have provided me with networking opportunities in my program and across my college.”
“It is not too late for you to apply for leadership positions, even if you are fully virtual. We have some members in our organizations that are hybrid or remote; and they are valued members of our community! Do not assume that you are not eligible because you are remote. Getting involved is extremely beneficial to you because not only will you be able to network, but you will also develop important and transferable skills that may lead to your future internship or career!”
Getting involved is extremely beneficial to you because not only will you be able to network, but you will also develop important and transferable skills that may lead to your future internship or career!
Jacqueline Rivas Salinas
About the author
Jacqueline Rivas Salinas (BA Psychology ‘23) is a graduate student in the Counseling Program, pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling. She is currently a member of the CEHD Student Advisory Board and serves as the secretary of Counselors for Social Justice at George Mason. After graduating, Jacqueline hopes to become a School Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor to work in underserved communities.