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
  • 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
  • Caroline Ruppe (Transferred from Isothermal Community College)

    Hello, my name is Caroline Ruppe. I transferred from Isothermal Community College located in Spindale, North Carolina. I am currently a Nutrition major. I enjoy admiring nature and thrifting. One of my favorie spots to visit on campus is Hatchet Coffee Roasters in Central Dining Hall. I like their lavender and coconut lattes. I am also an active member in SNAAP and the Dementia Awareness Club. Do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at ruppecf@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.