Mary Ariri

During my shift, I assisted with check-in and helped escort company representatives to their interview booths. I also pitched in wherever needed to help things run smoothly.

As a first-generation transfer student, I had the opportunity to assist with registration and help guide students and their school representatives to their assigned destinations. I also engaged with students to address any questions or concerns they had. This experience allowed me to give back to the community and share my own journey, creating a full-circle moment that was incredibly meaningful.

I participated in the TRiO Programs Panel discussion on the topic: "Transferring to a 4-year College: Life After Community College." I shared my experience as a transfer student, including my adjustment to a new city, finding my support system, and getting involved on campus. I also talked about my current role as president of Tau Sigma National Honor Society, a national honor society specifically for transfer students. To become a member, students must have completed at least one semester at their new institution and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. Tau Sigma is a fantastic way to strengthen your academic and leadership profile. It’s also a great opportunity to build community and create lifelong connections with other transfer students. At the end of the panel discussion, I exchanged LinkedIn information with the students to stay connected and continue supporting each other throughout our academic journeys.

I escorted the students, and their team leads to "breakout" rooms, where they received an in-depth overview of the requirements for applying to college. This session also provided valuable information for those already in community college who were seeking to transfer to a four-year institution. Topics covered included transfer credits, campus life, support systems, prerequisites for specific majors, opportunities for double majors, and more. This session aimed to equip students with the knowledge and resources they needed to navigate the next steps in their academic journey.