As the number of students transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions continues to rise, it is crucial for universities to provide adequate support systems that address the unique challenges faced by these students (University of California, 2022). Transitioning to a new academic environment can be overwhelming, and transfer students often encounter a range of difficulties, such as transfer shock, imposter syndrome, financial challenges, and struggles with integrating into the campus culture. Recognizing the significance of these issues and drawing from personal experience as a transfer student, I have chosen to embark on the implementation of a near-peer mentoring program at UC Davis.

The importance of this project lies in the transformative potential it holds for transfer students. As a transfer student myself, I personally experienced the hurdles discussed extensively in the literature: the sense of disorientation upon arriving at a new institution, the constant fear of not belonging, the financial strains, and the challenges of navigating a new social and academic landscape. However, I was fortunate enough to be selected for a First-Generation Initiative Program that matched me with a graduate student mentor at UC Davis, sharing a similar field of study. This mentorship experience played a pivotal role in my personal and academic growth, enabling me to discover various on-campus opportunities, immerse myself in the vibrant city of Davis, and ultimately develop a sense of belonging within the university community.

My lasting connection with my mentor is a testament to the transformative power of near-peer mentoring. Now, driven by my gratitude for this invaluable support and understanding of the immense value it adds to a transfer student's journey, I aim to establish a similar near-peer mentoring program at UC Davis. The overarching goal is to empower transfer students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds such as the Latinx community, first-generation students, and those with limited financial resources.

By implementing this program, I seek to provide transfer students with a structured support system that addresses their unique challenges. Through the guidance and mentorship of near-peer mentors, incoming transfer students will have access to invaluable knowledge, resources, and experiences that can help ease their transition, enhance their academic success, and foster a sense of belonging within the UC Davis community. Furthermore, this program will specifically focus on supporting students from underrepresented groups, ensuring that they receive the necessary guidance to overcome barriers and fully engage with the campus resources and opportunities available to them.