A “Transfer Safe Space” opened its arms to Florida A&M students on Wednesday. Coleman Library’s second-floor study lounge was filled with students who had the chance to come together and share their perspectives. The session ran from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Transfer Safe Space is a new initiative that allows transfer students — and non-transfer students — to come together to talk about their experiences on FAMU’s campus, as well as an opportunity to connect and network with one another.
Marissa Sainthilaire, a fourth-year elementary education student and creator of Transfer Safe Space, spoke about her experience transferring and what brought her to this idea.
“In my first semester here, I faced an eviction, it was gruesome for me. I was not coming to class, I was not motivated to pursue school because I felt like I’m struggling, and I had nobody to go to, and it was a low moment for me. So, I thought that if I could cultivate an environment where other people who go through something similar can come and talk, then they may have motivation to continue going through school,”Sainthilaire said.
Throughout the session, students spoke about how they perceive FAMU’s culture, their previous institutions and what made them transfer to FAMU.
Graduating agricultural science transfer senior Dillon Ford shared his experience as a transfer student.
“I started off in [FAMU] Towers, not knowing anybody, met a group of people, next thing I know I had a couple of friends. I continued to go and develop and then next thing I know I was very involved on campus. I was able to be a part of royal court, TSA royal court, clubs and other activities, and I wouldn’t have believed that two-three years ago I would be in this position,” Ford said.
Angelique Buckley, a second-year environmental science major who is also a transfer student, says it took her time to adjust to FAMU.
“I was a bit shy in the first semester, but this semester, I hit the ground running, and I’m ready for whoever, and whatever experience that FAMU has to offer. I hope to gain a sense of community and some connections with people,” she said.
Sainthilaire mentioned hearing the phrase, “We grew here, you flew here,” from traditional first-year students and felt “ostracized and somewhat awkward” when she first transferred to FAMU from Broward College.
Kaden Dozier, a fourth-year criminal justice major and psychology minor as well as a transfer student, said he appreciated the Transfer Safe Space event.
“We are [expected] to have everything, to know everything, and we’re not freshmen, so they do not treat us like kids. I wanted to connect with other transfer students and tell them my experience and help them on the journey,” Dozier said.
Sainthilaire talked about how excited she was regarding the event’s attendance. She said she hopes that the event someday becomes a podcast.
Transfer Safe Space takes place every other Wednesday in Coleman Library’s second-floor study lounge.