NTSW - Student Stories

Are you a UNM transfer student or transition student to UNM-Albuquerque from a different UNM campus? Would you like to share your story here on this website? If so, please fill out this form: https://goto.unm.edu/studentstories and we'll highlight your story on this website as an inspiration to future transfer students.

Syd Slate (she/they)

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

Major: Liberal Arts

School/College: University College

Transfer Institution: Hudson Valley Community College

What helped in making your transfer or transition successful?

The open communication from UNM staff, every person I have spoken to from staff to professors have been overwhelmingly helpful and understanding.

How did you overcome any challenges during your transfer or transition?

I had to change my major when I transferred, this made me very anxious at first but having meetings with advisors from multiple colleges of UNM really helped me decide what I wanted to do going forward and how to set myself up for success for my continuing scholastic journey.

Words of wisdom for future transfer students:

Ask lots of questions and keep an open mind.

Aurelia Montgomery

Hometown: Belleville, IL

Major: Chemistry/Spanish

School/College: Arts & Sciences

Transfer Institution: SWIC (Southwestern Illinois College)

What helped in making your transfer or transition successful?

Already having a good foundation in my majors and understanding what it takes for me personally to succeed.

How did you overcome any challenges during your transfer or transition?

Just kept going one foot in front of the other.

Words of wisdom for future transfer students:

Don't be scared to ask for help, just because these professors teach bigger classes doesn't mean they aren't accessible or don't want you to succeed.

Dante Olivas (he/him)

Hometown: Albuquerque, NM

Major: Sociology & Xicanx Studies

School/College: Arts & Sciences

Transfer Institution: CNM

Graduation: Fall 2022

What helped in making your transfer or transition successful?

Talking to classmates and professors to get connected to people. I also made it a point to make appointments with advisors so I knew where I was and where I needed to go.

How did you overcome any challenges during your transfer or transition?

I started at UNM the semester before COVID shut everything down. Class and school in general gave me a structure to look forward to in terms of interaction and mental stimulation. When the university opened back up, I worked to find spaces where I could connect with people again. Places like El Centro and the CCS Casita offered community and opportunities for academic and personal growth with other people who were interested in the things I wanted to study and learn. I met professors and administrative staff who supported and continue to support me as I work through my undergraduate program and the application process for graduate school.

Words of wisdom for future transfer students:

Don't be afraid to ask questions. No one does this alone and there are many people who are more than willing to help you get where you need and want to be.

Alexander Pulido

Hometown: Big Sur, CA

Major: Political Science

School/College: Arts & Sciences

Transfer Institution: Portland Community College

Graduation: Spring 2023

What helped in making your transfer or transition successful?

A generous scholarship offer from the University of New Mexico was crucial in helping to make my transfer successful. Supporting a low-income student such as myself is best done through financial assistance. With that covered, I was able to focus on academics.

How did you overcome any challenges during your transfer or transition?

There were plenty of helpful staff at the University of New Mexico who pointed me in the right direction no matter the topic or issue.

Words of wisdom for future transfer students:

Unless you are dead-set on a specific school or program (or if you are well off financially), I recommend seeking out and taking the best scholarship offer wherever that might be. At this stage in your life, you are flexible, adaptable, and have more time than money. Focus on the financials. This means research cost of living in the different areas you are looking to go to school. This will be immensely helpful.

Shawna Filfred (she/her/hers)

Shawna Filfred transfer story

Hometown: Pine Hill, NM

Major: Biology

School/College: Arts & Sciences

Transfer Institution: Central New Mexico Community College (CNM)

Graduation: Spring 2024

What helped in making your transfer or transition successful?

The relationship between CNM and UNM made my transition successful. I received emails through CNM about UNM transfer day events and workshops. It was just a matter of reaching out and attending. The UNM admissions office was also very clear on documents needed and deadlines.

How did you overcome any challenges during your transfer or transition?

The biggest challenge was fear of transitioning from a smaller campus to a larger campus. I overcame this by becoming familiar with the campus and bus routes. For the first couple of weeks I came early to campus to make sure I knew my routine for the semester.

Words of wisdom for future transfer students:

Familiarize yourself with all of the resources available at UNM, everyone is here to help you.

Dana Chisholm (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Auburndale, FL

Major: Film & Digital Arts

School/College: College of Fine Arts

Transfer Institution: Polk College

What helped in making your transfer or transition successful?

The support of family and friends was a great benefit to me returning to school after a 27-year break. The patience and acceptance of UNM staff and students made the transfer pleasant and worthwhile. The ability to receive financial assistance and help from ARC made this transition possible.

How did you overcome any challenges during your transfer or transition?

Since financially school was not a possibility for me, I applied for any financial assistance available and received multiple options. I was persistent and a hard worker. Asking question along the way and staying up to date on all paperwork helped me overcome my challenges. I struggled to get everything done for a study abroad program but again stayed persistent and had the opportunity to go to Europe for the first time in my life.

Words of wisdom for future transfer students:

It can be scary returning to school when you are older, disabled, or took a long break, but it is worth it. Stick with it and take every opportunity available to you. Your life will truly be better for it.

Noah Laffler (he/him)

Hometown: Albuquerque

Major: Architecture

School/College: School of Architecture & Planning

Transfer Institution: Macalester College, Saint Paul, MN

Graduation: Spring 2026

What helped in making your transfer or transition successful?

Meeting one-on-one with faculty members at the University of New Mexico. Specifically professors within the architecture program at UNM.

How did you overcome any challenges during your transfer or transition?

I experienced many personal challenges during the transfer process, however, I was able to overcome them with help from my family, the faculty at UNM, and through financial opportunities like the NM Opportunities scholarship.

Words of wisdom for future transfer students:

Be true to yourself! Make small achievable goals! It's okay to ask for help!

Arwen Lynch-Poe (she/her)

Hometown: Monroe, LA

Major: History

School/College: Arts & Sciences

Transfer Institution: Centenary College of Louisiana

Graduation: Spring 2025

What helped in making your transfer or transition successful?

I found the orientation very useful. Also, the students here at UNM are amazingly kind to me. I tend to get lost very easily due to a cognitive issue. I've been asked if I need help and if I ask, I always get a positive response.

How did you overcome any challenges during your transfer or transition?

Communication! I asked questions. I take advantage of being able to meet with instructors when I am struggling in class.

Words of wisdom for future transfer students:

Never doubt yourself. You are enough and you can do this. Seek joy, y'all!

Tous Young (he/him/his)

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Major: Business Administration

School/College: Anderson Schools of Management

Transfer Institution: Harvard U & Nova Southeastern Univ

Graduation: Spring 2023

What helped in making your transfer or transition successful?

My first requirement was that the school have a top accreditation in the business school. UNM Anderson has exactly that - the AACSB.

How did you overcome any challenges during your transfer or transition?

The admissions administration and faculty, especially my academic advisor Nissane Capps. When I had an issue, not just with academics, there was always someone I can reach out to who would help me. It's one thing to reach out in a time of need but it's another to have that someone actually hear the need, care enough to take me by the hand and lead me to where I needed to go. If that person didn't know, they sure helped me get to the person who could. For that, I am grateful.

Words of wisdom for future transfer students:

It all starts with transfer orientation. The group that facilitates that needs special recognition for laying out almost everything that a student needs or will need while attending UNM. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help. The administration and faculty, as well as the student body can help you with whatever the need or answer whatever the question. It's just like research, you have to dig sometimes but it's worth it in the end.

Yessenia Perez Garcia (she/her/hers)

Hometown: Albuquerque

Major: Psychology

School/College: Arts & Sciences

Transfer Institution: CNM

Graduation: Spring 2024

What helped in making your transfer or transition successful?

Attending an orientation, and going to student-led events.

How did you overcome any challenges during your transfer or transition?

I overcame it by talking about them to other transfer students.

Words of wisdom for future transfer students:

Go to the events that UNM holds in order to make special friends and have a great time!