Leilei: Welcome back to our Transfer Talks Podcast. My name is Leilei and I'm a Transfer Jacks Peer Mentor. And we have a very special guest here with us today to share their transfer experience. Leah: Hi, my name's Leah. I'm one of the Senior Peer Mentors here at Transfer Jacks. I'm graduating this semester, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies, and I'm also the treasurer for Tri Alpha, which is a first-generation honor society and Tau Sigma, which is an honor society for transfer students. Leilei: Very nice. Thank you for being here with us today. Leah: Of course, of course. Leilei: So we're going to start with just this or that question just to kind of ease into it. Leah: Okay. Leilei: Okay, so NAU Gold or NAU Blue? Leah: Oh, I'm an NAU Blue girly. Leilei: Explain why. Leah: Okay, I just look better in blue. And sometimes the gold washes me out. Leilei: Really? Leah: So I like, I like the navy. Leilei: See, as someone that's at NAU Gold, Leah: I know, I know. Leilei: It's all about the attitude. Leah: Ohh, okay! Leilei: Because like, I would want to think that my complexion doesn't quite match with the yellow, but like it's all in the attitude. Leah: Yeah, see, I would disagree with that. I feel like your complexion does fit the NAU Gold. Leilei: Oh, my god, stop. I would say that you could totally rock the yellow. You just got to give it another try. Leah: I just need to tan more. Leilei: Safely, right? Leah: Yes. Leilei: Both of us. So Fall or Winter? Leah: Fall. Leilei: Why? Actually, you know what, I feel like I understand that part. Leah: I'm from Phoenix, and so I like the winters, and I like the snow for like two days. And then I'm like, okay, this is cool. That's enough. Leilei: She said two days and not a whole semester. Leah: Yeah, no, not a whole semester. And there was just so much snow this semester. I was over it. And I like the leaves changing in Fall. It's pretty. And it's like perfect weather. Leilei: Exactly. We're done with the snow. We're done with the extreme weather. You know, just no more of that. Leah: Yeah. Leilei: I get that. Leah: Yeah. Leilei: Okay. Now, one more. Morning classes or afternoon slash evening classes? Leah: Ohh, okay. We already know I'm an afternoon slash evening classes girl. I'm not a morning person. You can ask anyone that, and they will tell you that I'm grumpy when I wake up, especially if I don't get a good night's sleep before. Leilei: Define a good night's sleep though. Like, how many hours is that for you? Leah: Like, not a lot. Like a minimum of like, probably like seven to eight hours of sleep. Leilei: That's pretty standard. That's good. Leah: Which is pretty standard. I agree. But we've been leaning closer to five to six hours. Leilei: I was going to say, that's my average. Leah: Yeah. Leilei: Lately, it's kind of been four. And I've been able to wake up pretty early. Leah: Okay! Okay, that's good. Leilei: I'm kind of stressed. Leah: Yeah, no. Right now I'm on this weird schedule where I'm like falling asleep by like midnight. And then I wake up at like eight naturally. It's kind of nice. Leilei: Without the alarm clock? Leah: Yeah, without the alarm clock. Leilei: I'm kind of jealous. Leah: I know. Leilei: I try to. It just doesn't work out. Leah: Yeah. Leilei: It like messes up my whole day. Leah: Well, the only reason I am is because I'm taking a morning class, which why I did that, I don't know. Leilei: Is that at like what? Nine? Leah: It's at nine. Yeah, 9.30. Leilei: It could be eight. It could be seven. Leah: It could be eight. Leilei: I have a, my yoga class is at eight. Leah: Ooh, yeah. Leilei: And then my makeup yoga class is at nine. And I'm just like. Leah: Yeah, no. I don't like mornings. So definitely an afternoon evening. And I like finishing my day a little bit earlier. So I'm like a 10 o'clock to like two class type of person. Leilei: She's like, what's it called when it's between morning and afternoon? Leah: Yeah. I'm like a brunch person. Leilei: I would consider myself that. I try to be a morning person, but I'm really not because I'm a night owl. Leah: Me too. Leilei: So I'm very unsuccessful every single time that it like lowers my confidence. But like we always, we have our moments, right? Leah: Right, right, right. Leilei: And I think the longest ever last one was like a week. Leah: Yeah. Leilei: And then it just like, okay, you can't wake up anymore. Leah: Yeah. I'm surprised that I've been waking up like earlier now. Leilei: Yeah? Leah: Yeah. But this week, this week was long. Leilei: We're almost there. Leah: I know. Leilei: Almost there. But then it's like we don't. Leah: Yeah, no. I don't want to be almost there. Leilei: We're very conflicted. As seniors, we're very conflicted at the moment. So ask us later. Leah: Yeah. Ask us later in like two weeks. Leilei: We'd like to postpone our tears for later. Leah: For real. For real. Leilei: Okay. So now onto some lighthearted questions. Leah: Okay. Leilei: Still easing into it. What is your favorite transfer event you've been to? Leah: Oh my gosh. Definitely the campfire nights. I, first semester, I got to tell scary stories in the dark. And they were creepy. Leilei: You did that at the campfire? Leah: Yes. Leilei: Oh my god! Leah: And I read them to everyone that was there. Leilei: Oh my god! Leah: Yeah, it was really fun actually. And I like, I love s'mores. So I was munching a little bit while we were telling them stories. And it was just so fun. And that was like the first event where I actually saw people like interacting really, really well with each other and like exchanging like Snapchats and stuff. Leilei: Was there a lot of people that, that was Fall semester, right? Leah: Yeah. Leilei: There was a lot of people? Leah: Yeah, there was a lot of people. We had a good amount because it was on, next to the basketball courts next to like Allen Hall. Leilei: Over there. Leah: Yeah, like Central Quad. And so there was just a lot of more people out because it was still like nice weather. And we got to see Light Saber Club, which is so cool. Leilei: They were out? Leah: Yeah, they were out. It was really cool to watch. Leilei: See, they would have been out for us in the Spring, but there was snow. So it didn't seem that inviting. Leah: Yeah, no. Definitely not. But no, it was fun. That was my favorite. Leilei: Very nice. Then what is your favorite memory so far being here at NAU? Leah: Oh my gosh! My favorite memory is getting to meet all of my coworkers and my besties. Leilei: Oh, do you have a favorite coworker? Leah: Oh, you know, I do have a favorite coworker. I don't know how I should say it on there. But no, I do have a favorite coworker. Everyone has their favorites. Let's be real. Let's be real. But they shall remain anonymous for the time being. Leilei: Very considerate of you. Leah: Thank you. But yeah, no, meeting all of my friends through this program was like the best thing that could have happened to me because I was a very lonesome person my first semester here, as was many people on the team. Leilei: As a transfer student. Leah: Yes. Leilei: It seemed pretty common. Leah: Yes, it is very common. Because you're in a weird spot where it's like you're not freshman, but it's your first year here, and you're in upper-division classes most of the time, at least in my experience. And like everyone had already had an established group of friends. And I was just kind of there. Yeah, I was like, ooh. Leilei: You're just like, hi. Leah: Yeah, I just said, hi. Leilei: I'm just going to scooch on you. Leah: For real. Leilei: No, I can't relate any more. And we, what is it? We started senior year, Leah: Yeah. Leilei: Actually, being here. So I'm like, I kind of wish that we met sooner. Leah: I know. Me too. Leilei: But honestly, we made the most out of it Leah: We did. Leilei: This last year. And it feels like it's been longer. Leah: It does. Leilei: It doesn't feel like it's only been two semesters. Leah: It feels like it's been a lifetime. Leilei: Yes, it does. I feel like I've known you since I've been here. Leah: I know. Leilei: You and the other coworkers. So I'm just confused with time right now. Leah: I know, me too. Okay, let's move on. Leilei: Okay, who's leading the interview here? Leah: Sorry, sorry. I'm getting teary-eyed. I'm getting teary-eyed. Leilei: I already cried it out a couple weeks ago. Leah: I need to cry it out. Leilei: I'm kind of fresh. I think you need to let it out. Leah: I need to let it out. Oh, it's going to come. And it's not going to be cute. It's going to be an ugly cry. Leilei: With or without the makeup on? Leah: Honestly, I like it better with. Leilei: But it's more dramatic. Leah: It's more dramatic. But without, then my eyelashes look really good. Leilei: Okay, noted, noted. So you are a Transfer Jacks Peer Mentor. Leah: I am. Leilei: So let's kind of dive into that a bit. So what's something that you've learned from your mentees? Leah: Oh my gosh. Learned from my mentees. I have learned patience with people. I love my mentees, and I love being able to guide them. And sometimes people just need a little bit more time to kind of like come to you and need that guidance. So having to wait it out and not wanting to force them to come in and meet with me was like something I needed to learn. Because I'm the type of person that just wants to help everybody. And I need to understand that not everyone will need my help all the time. Leilei: Yeah. Leah: So that was a big thing. And just like, I don't know, reinforcing my kindness to everyone. Because sometimes it's not easy being nice to everybody. Leilei: It is not. Leah: But my mentees made that really easy for me this semester. They're all so awesome. And I love every single one of them. And I'm so sad to be leaving them. But they taught me a lot. So. Leilei: Oh, beautiful. I'm getting teary-eyed right now. Leah: Stop, stop, stop, stop. Leilei: I'm not even like your mentee. Leah: Stop. You're funny. Leilei: So how has being a mentor to transfer students affected your experiences as a transfer student? Leah: I just felt a lot more connected with the community on campus. I know I met with my mentor when I was a mentee. And I went to like one event. But being able to meet other people that have gone through, or are going through what I've gone through, was just really therapeutic for me. And kind of understanding that like I wasn't alone in the process. Leilei: It's like eye-opening. Leah: It is. Leilei: It's like, huh? Leah: Yeah, for real. It was like a little aha moment. Like okay, everyone's going through this too. In their own way, how can I help them? How can I help them the way I wish someone would have helped me? Leilei: And it helps you become a better mentor. Leah: It does. It does. Yeah. Leilei: So then having been a mentor for this whole academic year, what's your favorite part in being a mentor? Leah: I have, literally every single part as my favorite part. I love just connecting with people like on like a personal level and like a social level. And just getting to know everyone like for themselves has been very, very good for me. What was the question? Leilei: It was really good. Leah: I was like, no. I totally lost my train of thought right now. Leilei: You were totally building a foundation. Leah: Yeah, I was. And I just literally forgot what I was going to say. Leilei: Okay, we'll just rewind that. Leah: Okay. Leilei: Your favorite part about being a mentor? Leha: Oh, yes, yes, yes. That's right. Yeah, no. My favorite part of being a mentor is just seeing everyone grow, especially my mentees that I've had since Fall semester. I still have regular meetings with a lot of them in Spring semester. And so seeing them grow more comfortable and finding their own spaces on campus was like the most rewarding part of my job, because it made me feel like I was doing my job right. Leilei: And it shows how like great of a job you do in the role, because you genuinely feel happy for them. Leah: Yeah, yeah. Leilei: You know. Like you care what we do. Leah: Like a lot of my mentees, even this semester that I've had, have been doing so much within their clubs and with whatever organizations they're involved in on campus. And it just makes me feel so happy that they're able to do everything that they want to do while being able to manage school. So it's cool. Leilei: It honestly makes me so happy seeing, as another peer mentor, I'm like, how is it that Leah connects so well Leah: Oh my god, stop! Leilei: With her mentees? She meets with people that already transferred in the Fall. You know. Meanwhile, I'm just kidding. But I see you really make for a great mentor. I think you're really one of the better ones too. I mean, we're all great in our own way but you have a way of easily connecting and making them want to come back on their own time. Because that takes a lot too. It's kind of like I have other things. But you have a majority of them coming back to see you, especially during finals week. Leah: Yeah. Leilei: Or as finals is creeping up, they still want to see you. You know how hard it was for me to schedule this with her? Leah: Yeah. Very hard. Leilei: So many mentee meetings. She's obviously popular. Leah: Stop. You're making me blush. Thank you. Leilei: So moving on to more serious questions as a transfer student. What was your experience like at your previous school? Leah: Okay. So I went to Chandler-Gilbert Community College. And it was definitely an experience. It was. I did really like the classes that I took. I just struggled with finding community and finding resources on campus because I wasn't assigned an advisor when I was there. And so it just made things really complicated. And I didn't really know what I was doing. And I didn't have any friends. That's also when COVID hit. Leilei: Yeah. Leah: So I didn't really have an experience there. But it was just okay. But coming to NAU, my advisor tracked me down really fast. Like really fast. And we were able to like, we set up a degree progression plan. So I knew what classes I needed to be taking. And then obviously I got paired with my mentor from last year in the Transfer Jacks Program. And she just made me feel really welcomed. And she was just like, oh, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I'm here for you. And it just inspired me to be a better person for myself and care about school and classes and just building relationships with people because I didn't build any relationships when I was at CGCC. Leilei: It was during COVID at the same time. Leah: It was during COVID. It was during COVID. But you know, I definitely could have put more effort into making more friends. Leilei: That makes all of us right. But here we are! Leah: Here we are. And I've got lots of friends now. Leilei: And I like how you said how it was really hard for you to get a hold of or access resources. Leah: Yeah. Leilei: It seems like you didn't even know where it was half the time. Leah: No, I had no idea. Leilei: Which makes it really cool how now you're a mentor. And how do you think, we're kind of bouncing back to being in that mentor. How do you think you're providing or do you think you're doing a good job in a sense in helping out your mentees? And these are the resources. How many times have you reiterated it or reminded them of what's here? Leah: Oh, so many. Every single meeting I feel like. Just because I feel like, especially for me, I'm someone who you can tell me once and I'll do it. But sometimes if I don't want to do it, you've got to tell me a lot of times to do it. And so I know that that's the case for a lot of people. And a lot of people are just scared to reach out to resources, which was my issue too, because I was embarrassed. Leilei: It doesn't come naturally all the time too. Leah: Yeah, yeah. And I'm also first gen. So my parents didn't really know either. So I felt like I was freefalling a little bit. And so I don't want my mentees to feel like that. And that was my main goal. I want them to know that there's resources here for them, for whatever they need. So I definitely reinforced that a lot. Leilei: They're probably overwhelmed at this point. Leah: Ohh, 100%. They're like, okay, that's enough. Leilei: They're like, she's going through the script again. Leah: Yep, yep. And I always tell them the same exact story of how I didn't have an advisor and I didn't know what was going on on campus. Leilei: Hey, your mentees can't be lost if you've been talking about it the whole time, right? Leah: They can't. They got no excuses. Leilei: Exactly. Exactly. And so you said you were talking about things that you recognize, things that you could have done, maybe at Chandler-Gilbert and here. But so kind of elaborate more on what changed. Or if you could go back and change anything about your transition, what would it be? Leah: So my first year here, like I said, I was lonesome a little bit and didn't really feel like getting out and going to events. And my roommates had already been here for two years. So they kind of did all of the events that I wanted to do. And so I never had anyone to go with. And I finally dragged them to a Loteria night, which is just like Mexico Bingo. And it was so fun. I got to meet so many people through that. And I met a lot of my friends through that night. And I just wish I would have gone to more events, honestly, and utilized my resources. Because that was the only event I went to my first year. Leilei: I'm right there with you. I only went to one event. Leah: Yeah. Leilei: I think it's a pattern because I think that was the same for some of our other students. Leah: I think so too. Leilei: Well, going to one is honestly, I want to say it's like none. Leah: Yeah, it really is. Leilei: It was enough to be like, I'm interested in this program. Leah: Yeah. Yeah. I just wish I would have gone to more. And so I could have met more transfer students, because the one event I went to was combined with other student groups. So it wasn't just transfer students there. Leilei: Yeah. Leah: So I didn't really meet many transfer students. But it was really fun still. And I would go to that event. Leilei: Honestly, having that experience definitely helped you to kind of empathize with your mentees on knowing how hard it is, Leah: Ohh, yeah. Leilei: And how it's easy to just say it, then do it. Leah: Yeah, for sure. Leilei: And again, like you said, coming as a transfer student, an upperclassman, a new student to the campus, you're kind of expected to still know what you're doing. Leah: Right. Leilei: And so you don't want to like, there's a pride part of that too, but it's natural. Leah: It is. Leilei: It's common. Leah: All part of the process. Leilei: It is. It is. So ending, this is like our last question. And then the recordings were set. I know. I'm telling you, so fast. But what is a piece of advice you'd like to give to transfer students? Leah: Oh, that's a great question. Obviously, meet with your mentor, because they're going to have resources for you. And it's scary. It is so intimidating, like at first, having this random person call and text you and be like, hey, we need to meet. It's like, what is this person? Why do they know my name? But they are awesome resources. Everyone on our team is awesome. They know what they're talking about. They're here to be your friend. And it's just, it's a great resource. And I love my mentor so much. And I'm so thankful that I was able to give that experience to this incoming class of mentees. And just don't be afraid to do things. Like, I was so shy to go to events and just talk to people, but this is the time to do it. You're never going to relive these years again. So do it now before it's too late and you regret it. Leilei: Step out of your comfort zone. Leah: Yes, step out of your comfort zone. Get out there. Go. Leilei: Beautifully said. Words of wisdom right there. And I totally lied to you because I have one more question. Leah: Ohh, okay! Go ahead. Leilei: So it's a little bit longer. Leah: Okay. Leilei: But since you're graduating in a couple weeks, Leah: Yes. Leilei: Ohh my goodness, do you have any plans after graduation that you would like to share? Leah: Yes. So I'm definitely moving back down to Phoenix after graduation. And I'm going to be looking for a job in either HR or child life specialist areas. Hopefully a year from now, I'll be applying for a master's program. And I'll have found a company that will pay for my master's program, more importantly. And we'll see what kind of program I fall into. I'm looking into child developmental programs and stuff like that. So we'll see. But yeah, those are the plans for now. Leilei: Sweet. And having experience of being a transfer student and in this case, a non-traditional student. How do you feel about your journey ahead of you? Because I know there's a lot of stereotypes. There's a lot of stigma when you're not doing things in a timely way at a certain age. I know it still affects even us. But being a transfer student and learning about it, how do you think you're going to approach life in the future? Leah: Well, I think being a transfer student, you have a better chance of adapting to things faster. And you kind of have to think quickly. But everyone goes at their own pace. So there's no reason to feel stressed or like, oh my god, like, what am I doing? I'm so old and I'm in college. When you're not old, you're just doing things at your own time. But yeah, I think that being a transfer student just helps me adapt more to life and quickly. Leilei: You know, that goes deep. Leah: It does. It goes deep, for real. Leilei: Okay. Thank you, Leah, for joining us today. We appreciate you taking the time to join us and sharing your experience with us. Leah: Well, thank you, Leilei, for having me. It's been a pleasure talking to you.