Student Mentors

About the Transfer Student Mentors

One of the success stories of helping transfer students is the students themselves. The Transfer Student Mentors (TSMs) are a group of transfer students who have successfully transferred to Appalachian.  The TSMs assist incoming transfer students by providing accurate information and helping students get connected with the Appalachian community and campus. The TSMs reach out to admitted students, support Transfer Student Orientation, and lead transfer student events.

The  TSMs remain available to students once they transfer to campus. They can answer questions, help students navigate their first semester on a new campus, assist students with ways to get involved or just meet for coffee and conversation.  The TSMs are here to help students be successful at Appalachian. Students may connect with them through email, social media, Google chat or over a cup of coffee on campus.

The TSM program is a student leadership program that helps students develop leadership, mentorship, communication, public speaking, and a strong sense of identify as a member of the Appalachian community.

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  • Shatha Abu-Dames (Transferred from University of North Carolina Greensboro)

    Hello Mountaineers! My Name is Shatha Abu-Dames and I transferred from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. I am a psychology major with a concentration in health studies and a minor in medical humanities. I'm a member of the psychology club and my favorite spot on campus is the Wired Scholar coffee shop located in the library! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at abudamessm@appstate.edu
  • Maggie Begick (Transferred from Forsyth Technical Community College)

    Hi Mountaineers! My name is Maggie Begick and I'm a transfer student from Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston Salem, NC. My major is Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry and minors in Biology and Accounting. I am currently a part of the Book Club at App State. Some of the places around campus I really enjoy are the Solarium at the Student Union and Belk Library. I also really enjoy walking down King Street, especially when different local artists have booths set up or even driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Please feel welcome to contact me with any questions at begickme@appstate.edu.
  • Luis Cruz (Transferred from Gaston College)

    Hi, my name is Luis and I transferred from Gaston College. My major is Graphic Design but in my free time you'll find me hanging out on Sanford Mall or with my camera capturing the beauty of the high country. Feel free to aks me questions at cruzlr@appstate.edu
  • Janett Flores (Transferred from Sandhills Community College)

    Hello! My name is Janett Flores and I’m a junior here at App studying Digital Marketing. I transferred from Sandhills Community College. One of my favorite spots on campus is the Crossroads and my order is an iced hazelnut latte. Apart from school, I enjoy spending time with my german shepherd Tyson. If you have any questions or need some advice you can email me at floresjm2@appstate.edu
  • Yairis Gameros-Escobedo (Transferred from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute)

    Hi mountaineers! My name is Yairis Gameros-Escobedo. I am a Studio Art major and also involved in the Latin Hispanic Alliance, K-POP Association and Kaptivate. I enjoy dancing on campus especially at the Dance Part on Transfer Tuesdays. Please contact me in you have questions about transferrring to App State at gamerosescobedoym@appstate.edu
  • Giselle Gonzalez-Garcia (Transferred from Forsyth Technical Community College)

    Hello Mountaineers, my name is Giselle E. Gonzalez-Garcia and I transferred from Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, NC. My major is Communications, Advertising with a minor in Graphic Communications Management. I’m currently a member of the Fine and Applied Arts Student Engagement team (FAASET) and an illustrator for the Technical Association of Graphic Arts (TAGA) and The Appalachian Student Newspaper. My favorite spot on campus is the library and the Solarium! If you have any questions about transferring please contact me at gonzalezgarciage@appstate.edu
  • Josh Hooper (Transferred from Elon University)

    Hello! My name is Josh and I am a Junior at App! I am majoring in Exercise Science and I transferred to App from Elon. One of my go to spots would be Blue Deer on main and I personally enjoy the Blue Ridge Mocha. I am on the ASU Club Ice Hockey team and have 1 year old Great Pyrenees named Sadie! If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at hooperjj@appstate.edu
  • Jacky Sotelo-Gonzalez (Transferred from Forsyth Technical Community College)

    Hello everyone! My name is Jacky Sotelo-Gonzalez. I transferred from Forsyth Tech Community College. I major in Global Studies and will be minoring in Spanish. I love music, art, and meeting new people. My favorite spot on campus is the Solarium. Feel free to contact me at sotelogonzalezj@appstate.edu with any questions.
  • Ben Watson (Transferred from Collin County Community College)

    Hi! My name is Ben Watson, and I transferred from Collin County Community College in McKinney, Texas. My major is Sustainable Development with a concentration in Environmental Studies. I spend a lot of my time on the parkway and love hanging out in the union. Feel free to message me at watsonbm1@appstate.edu