Cara: Welcome back to our Transfer Talks podcast. My name is Cara Jean and I'm a Transfer Jacks Peer Mentor. Joining me today is our very lovely guest that would like to share their transfer experience with us. Why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself! Sophie: Hi, so, I'm Sophie Hollenbeck. I'm a senior at NAU, studying sociology and I'm also a transfer student at Chandler Gilbert Community College down in the Valley. Cara: Hey, I took a class at Chandler Gilbert. I took a single class at Chandler Gilbert, so that was a fun one to get put on my transcripts. So, how do you like sociology? Sophie: I love sociology. I think it's, uh, I think it's a field that not a lot of people know. Cara: I agree! Sophie: I think it's really worth it. We learn a lot of really fascinating things and I definitely wouldn't be the same if I wasn't a sociologist. Cara: Absolutely. What are some things that you hope to do with that degree? Sophie: Yeah, well I kind of hope to continue pursuing education. I'm probably, I'm looking at taking a gap year, but I'm probably gonna like do some volunteering and then I'm gonna like get started on my masters and stuff. Cara: Oh, lovely! Sophie: It's like, long-term I guess, like, I really just want to like research, honestly. Cara: Yeah, research is such a fun one too. There's so many resources on campus for that. Absolutely. Sophie: Yeah. Cara: Are you planning on going anywhere exciting for your gap year? Sophie: Yeah, well, let's start with next semester. I'm doing my study abroad in Beijing. From my gap year I'm probably gonna do like some volunteering at AmeriCorp. So, I've been talking about like, with my friends, we're probably gonna go to like South America. Cara: Lovely. Sophie: So I'm excited about that. Cara: I used to be an AmeriCorps member when I aged out of 4-H. So yeah, I was an AmeriCorps member for one year, did a lot of volunteering in Maricopa County. Never went out of a country though, so I'm very excited for you. Beijing is stunningly gorgeous, so you'll have to send us some pictures or something for sure! Cara: We're gonna start with some light-hearted questions here. What's your favorite transfer event that you've been to so far? Sophie: So, definitely was the laser tag that I was just telling you about. I didn't really know anyone there yet, but, it was just really exciting. Just playing with, playing with all of them, and I actually did really good! Like, I didn't think I was gonna do well. But we did, like, I guess you could say like, a free-for-all. Where it's like everyone for themselves and I actually won. Cara: Oh nice! Sophie: I was first place! I was first place. Cara: Well done. Sophie: I guess I'm, you know, if I ever wanted to be a soldier like- Cara: You're set. Absolutely! Cara: Do you have any any tips for being good at laser tag? For those who are going to join us for the upcoming one? Sophie: Yeah! Well, the first thing I would say is just like, take cover. Cara: Don't be afraid to hide? Sophie: Don't be afraid to hide, yeah! Like, it kind of feels kind of cheap, but like, just like, hide all game. I mean, that doesn't mean you can't like, move the stuff. But like, the reason I got so many points is because there's people just running around like a chicken with their head cut off. Cara: Yeah. Sophie: And it was just, you know. Cara: You heard it here first. Don't be afraid to be a coward some of the time. Sophie: Yes. Cara: So, you, you touched on it a little bit, but is there anything in, like, super specific that made you pick your field of study? Sophie: Yeah, well, so I actually started out as a computer science major. And, so a lot of people think of sociology as a humanity but it's actually strictly social science. Cara: Oh wow. Sophie: Like, there's a lot more math and science that goes into it than like most people think. Cara: Okay. Sophie: Like, I mean really, I would say that sociology is kind of almost like applied statistics in a way. Like, there's a lot of math. So, you know obviously I have that math background with computer science, but to me like computers aren't as interesting as people because there's like, less that you can do with them. Like, I guess like people are like, very unpredictable. Cara: Yeah. Sophie: So, for like to me like studying people is very interesting. Cara: Oh, absolutely. One of my favorite hobbies, both on campus and off, is just, like. People watching. So, like, knowing the science behind all the behaviors...fantastic field, absolutely. Sophie: Yeah! Cara: Moving on to some harder ones. What's a piece of advice that you would give incoming transfer students? Sophie: So, probably the number one thing I would say is like, don't worry. Like, I feel like the imposter syndrome like really runs high when you're first coming in especially. And you're kind of like, you're kind of like, hit with a lot. Because like coming from community college, you know, we have like little events and stuff. Pretty much like the first thing you see front and center is like, or at least for me, is like all the different clubs on campus, all the opportunities on campus. It's like kind of overwhelming. Cara: It is. Sophie: So, I'd say like, don't worry about like, getting into everything. Remember that you're with people who have been there for, like, two years longer than you. Cara: Yeah. Sophie: And have adapted. Cara: Yeah! Sophie: Or more in some cases. But also remember that, you know, there's a lot of other transfer students. Like, there's a lot of transfer students on campus. But like, you know, just like don't be afraid, I guess. Cara: Yeah! And that is absolutely fantastic advice. It's important to know that everyone on campus has been in your shoes before. Everyone's been new at some point, and everyone's kind of had to get their foot in the door, and make that first step into joining clubs, making friends, taking classes. So, I definitely think that telling people not to worry so much is really fantastic advice for sure. Sophie: Thank you. Cara: Absolutely. What are your feelings on being a transfer student? Like how did you feel about it when you first came in? How do you feel about it now? Sophie: Yeah, well, when I first came in I really, like, wasn't sure about myself because like, not only is it not like Chandler Gilbert, like not only was it just like, going to new school, it's also a new place. Like, I've been in the valley for most of my life. At the time, I was living with my parents, you know? So, it's not only like, you know, coming to college but also like, the community now. Which I guess is kind of like the college experience, right? But, it's like, it's just kind of weird because it's like, you did college but now it's like, now it's like, more intense I guess. Cara: Yes, absolutely. Sophie: When you get to university, so yeah, like I was saying, I felt really overwhelmed. But, it was also like, exciting! Like, I didn't know that there would be like so many different opportunities and like clubs and stuff like, when I first came in, when I first saw that- Cara: Yeah! Sophie: I was like, wow, this is a lot. I'll get through it eventually, I guess. Cara: Yeah! There's time for it all, you just got to make room for it. I definitely agree that it is a very overwhelming feeling when you first step onto campus, because the vibe is totally different from a community college, especially like Chandler Gilbert which is so small. It's a really, really compact campus with just a, just a, smattering of buildings. So when you, when you get on NAU, and you've got just a mile-long campus, it feels like a lot. But once you kind of, get your toes in the water per se, you get to understand it. And you get to see all the things that it provides. So, I'm glad that, that excitement has overwhelmed the feelings of nervousness. Cara: What is something that you wish that non-transfer students here at NAU would understand about that experience? Sophie: So, yeah, like, I guess - well. I guess it's just hard because like, the transfer experience really isn't seen as like the typical experience, even though so many people go through it, right? Cara: Absolutely, yes. Sophie: The typical experience is like, when you're a freshman, that's like when it's all fresh to you, right? And not someone who's coming in like a junior, or even like a senior sometimes. So, I guess, I wish that more people would understand that there's like, a lot of different college experiences and not just like, uh- Cara: Just the one. Sophie: Yeah, not just like, coming right out of high school. Cara: Totally. Sophie: And because, there's also a lot of, likel older adults on campus as well. Cara: Yes! Sophie: And that's like, a completely different experience. Especially if you have kids or something. Cara: Absolutely! Sophie: So, I guess I just wish we would understand there's a lot more different types of experiences you can have at the university. Cara: Absolutely. It's less a road and more like a branching path. It's, um, it really varies from person to person. Like, when I transferred in I was a junior in terms of credits, but I had never been to an in-person campus. I did almost all of my community college online. About 80% of it. A lot of it was during COVID. So, when I got to, like, a real big campus it was very overwhelming, like you said! Yeah, it is! And you're like, it, it feels so much more real once you're here but it is important. And I feel like that difference in experience is what makes it so beautiful, too. Sophie: Oh, wow. Yeah. Cara: Yeah. That's, yeah! That's it for our more serious questions. We're gonna do some quick fire, this or that now. DUB or the Hot Spot? Sophie: So, I'm not sure if this will ruffle some feathers for some, but definitely the DUB. I'm not, you know, not a fan of the Hot Spot. Cara: Wow. Sophie: I go to the DuBois Center because I get a better vibe through it? I always feel like the Hot Spot is really crazy. Cara: Yeah. When you hit it during rush hour? Oh yeah. Sophie: Yeah. Especially since it's right in the middle of campus. I'm always a fan of the spots that are kind of, more like, towards the edge of the campus I guess. I just think it's like, nice to be able to just kind of like, sit down and eat and just kind of relax. Cara: Totally! So, you're not too big of a crowds person. I get that. I understand. The Hot Spot, I think, has a special place in my heart just because, I mean. Last, or like, my first semester at NAU, I like...tripped and ate it on the floor. So, like, she's special to me nowadays. Sophie: I will say, like, I am just like. The food? That's a different story. Cara: Yeah. Sophie: It's kind of more even, I think, especially since the Hot Spot has like those sandwiches that are good. Or, I usually get the wraps, though. Cara: Oh, yeah. Sophie: Like, those are so good. Like, they are definitely worth trying. So, no, it's not - it's more I just prefer like, chilling. Cara: The atmosphere. And that makes a place! I totally agree with you. Morning, afternoon, or evening classes? Sophie: This is going to be another kind of hot topic. I think evening classes are the way to go. Now, there's a lot of people who probably would get evening class if they could. But like, I really feel like just having that time in the morning to like, you know, get your homework done. Really get ready for the day before, you know, just kind of rushing out the door. Cara: Totally. Sophie: I guess, like, it really makes a difference in like, being at school and you're like, not exhausted. Which is like, I would say, it's a good feeling. Cara: Oh, it absolutely is! Yeah. Just having the whole day to like, ready yourself mentally and physically. Sophie: Yeah. Cara: See, I 100% agree with you on this one. Yeah. It was it was so nice last semester, not going to class until four in the afternoon. Sophie: That's awesome. Cara: And I was like...oh yeah. And I got home at like, nine. And I was just like, out. Like a light. Sophie: Well, yeah, like one of the joys for me was like, it's all I need because my transfer experience was kind of like, because I was switching between some other majors, I actually spent three years at community college. Cara: Oh, wow. Sophie: So, I got a lot of different types of credits. Cara: Oh, totally! Sophie: So, over here, I actually didn't have like, much more to do. So, right now my senior year, all evenings. Cara: Oh, wow. That's nice. Sophie: That's nice. I'm not going to pretend like that's the experience that everyone can get. But like, I guess, I guess the moral is like, you know. Just like, planning it out. Cara: Yeah. Sophie: Like, well, but I didn't really plan it. So, I don't know. Cara: You have to have a balance. Sophie: Yeah. If you get it, like, at least try it. Yeah. Cara: Find that balance between like being prepared and being spontaneous, I feel. Absolutely. You kind of answered this one a little bit already, but Union or the HLC for studying? Sophie: Yeah. So, as I said, I don't really like the Union. Now the Union, is exciting. And like, going to like, events like this. Like, we're in the union right now. And like, this is fun. But just for like hanging out? No. Cara: Nice. Sophie: HLC, like, a lot of people don't actually know but if you go up to like the third floor and fourth floor? There's like, a really nice study area. Cara: Is there? See, I didn't kno that! Sophie: Exactly. Cara: Wow. Sophie: Like, so pretty much, only bio majors know that because that's where all their classes are. Cara: Oh. Sophie: But like, and like, my my sister who's a bio major actually showed me that. Cara: Okay! Sophie: And it's nice. It's a really nice spot. You' want to check it out. Cara: Totally. Sophie: I'll say though, that like, the transfer lounge which is right here is nice also. So I'm going to take advantage. Cara: Thank you! Sophie: Yeah! Cara: Well, you heard it here, bio students. Your secret's out and we're coming for your study spaces. So expect us. Last this or that - sun or snow? Sophie: I love the snow. Cara: See? Yes! Absolutely. Sophie: So, I know what I'm saying, as a Valley person. But the snow is so exciting. Cara: It is! It totally is! Sophie: I was so shocked last winter when you got those heavy blizzards and everyone was like, so frustrated and sad, that there's like, so much snow on the ground. And I was like, I was like, this is so much fun! Like, I've never like built a snowman before coming here and it was like, this is sick! Cara: It's so exciting! It is so exciting. Absolutely. Sophie: I'm tired of the sun. Cara: Absolutely. I totally agree with you. Before I moved up here to Flagstaff, I hadn't seen snow in well over a decade. And when I got to Flagstaff, and they've had the heaviest winter since like, what - 1990? Something crazy. I was hype. I'm like, I have this hideous orange parka. You could see me from space. It's Hunter Orange, and in the field beside Reilly, I would go and just like fully play in the snow. Like I was 10 years old. And I could see people walking by just being like, what is she doing? But it's like, you have to! Live a little! Go in the snow, be crazy. Sophie: Yeah, it's healing. For your inner child. Cara: Yes! It's genuinely healing. It's so fantastic. Sophie: That's great. Cara: And then like, we had like a record amount of snow days last year. And all those days I'm like, I took to explore like downtown, found cafes, found like new places to hang out. And it was enjoyable. Sophie: And that's the nice thing too. Like, I felt like there's kind of a slower pace, right? Because it was kind of harder to drive. Cara: Yes. Sophie: Kind of sucks, but also it's like kind of cool because, you know, we encouraged to like, walk more. Like, to see, and actually like, check out downtown. Cara: Yes! Sophie: I do remember like, even though there's a lot of people complaining, I did see like so many people like in that kind of like lawn over by like- Cara: Wilson? Sophie: Yeah. Cara: Yeah, Central Quad. Sophie: There were so many people playing in that. Cara: Yes! Sophie: It's so cool. They were just like sledding down. I mean, it's like the tiniest hill I've ever seen. They were sledding down and having fun. So, I think more people should be like those people. Cara: I agree. Dude, I had people that during like the worst or like heaviest snow days, were like Nordic skiing to class. Sophie: What?! Cara: Like, fully had skis on their backpack. Like - Sophie: On campus? Cara: Yeah, like fully. And it was amazing. People would come inside and like shake them off and put them up by the door. It was, it was a great community feeling. It was so fantastic. Sophie: Yeah. Wow. Lot of trust. Cara: Yes, absolutely. I wanted it to snow and I wanted it to snow so bad. I'm like, my car was stuck in the San Fran parking garage for literally three months. Did not leave her parking spot for three months. And I wouldn't have it any other way. But here's to hoping for more snow. Cara: Thank you, so much, for joining us today for our Transfer Talks podcast. Sophie: Yeah! It was so fun. Cara: We really appreciate you coming in and sharing all your thoughts, your concerns, your questions.