Two years ago when Maria De Abreu Pineda transferred to Stevens from Bergen Community College, she felt what every new transfer student feels – not being a freshman, yet being “fresh” to the school. Understanding this gray area in which transfer students lie is what motivated her to create a network that connects the transfer student community and improve the transition. Working with other transfer students who felt the same way, Pineda co-founded the Transfer Student Association (TSA), of which she is currently president.
Even though TSA has become a recognized student organization (RSO) only this October, they have held interest meetings and garnered support from the transfer student body since Spring 2016. This semester, TSA kicked off several initiatives to help new transfer students transition smoothly. The “Transfer Buddy Program” allows current students (both transfer and non-transfer) to serve as mentors for incoming transfers. A second program establishes “Transfer Ambassadors” — transfer students who go back to community colleges and provide students with tips regarding transfer and scholarships opportunities.
In addition to these programs, TSA has held themed meetings this semester that cover a variety of topics. These included a “Scholarships 101 session” and a “Career Advice Workshop,” which were not only targeted towards the needs of transfer students, but were also beneficial to the entire student body. “During my first year at Stevens, I was covering one end by continuously going back to Bergen to help current students with their transfer and scholarship applications, but I was missing the other end,” says Pineda when asked about what drives her. “Although I am honored to be the president and co-founder of this association, it is the co-founding team: Ana, Julia, Ton, Juan, and Jing, the new leaders, and the current members who make me proud.”
The TSA is also thrilled that they can begin to actively collaborate with other student clubs for events, since part of their mission is to connect the transfer student community with the rest of the Stevens student body as well. On Nov. 15 they held a Latin Dance Workshop in collaboration with the Latin American Association, and are also planning to end this semester on by co-hosting an event with the Stevens Italian Club. The event, the Holiday Extravaganza celebration, is being held at the Babbio Atrium on Friday, from 5:00 p.m. onwards. The event will offer an assortment of Italian foods and desserts, rolled ice cream from the new local ice cream shop Angel’s Recipe Ice Cream, and a photo booth. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite ugly holiday sweater to the event, which will also have a White Elephant gift giveaway.
Anybody from the Stevens community can get involved by attending their meetings and events, or following TSA on Facebook & Instagram (@StevensTSA), or on DuckSync. The TSA is expanding and looking for the next group of passionate transfer students motivated to take the lead for the 2017-2018 Academic year.
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