TRANSITION LEADERS

Get support navigating UGA
from an experienced peer
SCHEDULE A QUICK CHAT

TRANSITION LEADERS

Get support navigating UGA
from an experienced peer
SCHEDULE A QUICK CHAT

MEET WITH A TRANSITION LEADER

Transition Leaders are current UGA students who are here to help all students navigate UGA and its resources. They are a great starting point if you're unsure where to turn. While they are not professional advisors or counselors, they offer peer support and can connect you with the right people and resources at various stages of your UGA experience, from your first semester to graduation. See what Transition Leaders can and cannot answer during a quick chat in the accordion panel below.

Transition Leaders can:

  • help you navigate campus resources available to you as a student.
  • provide referrals to specific people or offices on campus for detailed guidance.
  • share personal tips and strategies for navigating UGA.
  • explain campus culture and offer insights to help make your transition smoother.

Transition Leaders cannot…

  • advise on degree requirements, including general education and major-specific requirements.
  • provide support for test preparation or academic skills coaching.
  • assist with exploring or changing majors.
  • provide mental health counseling or wellness coaching.
  • offer  professional career coaching or job search strategies.
  • provide personalized coaching for getting involved on campus – however, ELS Peer Leaders can!

For questions on these topics, please reach out to a professional staff member listed below. Transition Leaders are here to help you get connected with the appropriate resources and support.

Ways to Connect with Professional Staff

Feeling unsure about which professional resources might be helpful? A Transition Leader can guide you in connecting with the support you need!

For quick questions, please contact us by phone: (706) 542-4352 or email: transitions@uga.edu.
GET SUPPORT NAVIGATING UGA FROM AN EXPERIENCED PEER!
You deserve to have a meaningful and supportive college experience. We are here to help.
1
Read our bios below to get to know us.
2
Select the Transition Leader you want to meet with.
SCHEDULE A QUICK CHAT
3
Receive confirmation from us on the date, time, and location of our meeting.

MEET THE TEAM

Aminata Balde

MAJOR
International Affairs
YEAR
4th year
HOMETOWN
Atlanta, GA
Hey guys! My name is Aminata. I am a fourth year majoring in International Affairs with a minor in International Human Rights and Security on the pre-law track from South Fulton, Georgia. I love learning about new things such as different languages and cultures. You can always find me at a UGA event, on North Campus, or at Tate student center either doing homework or watching Netflix. I am so excited to meet you, hear your story and help you however I can!
 
Ask Me About: School of Public and International Affairs, SPIA Ambassadors, Muslim Student Association, Living with a disability, being part of a minority at UGA, Arch Policy Institute, Undergraduate Research, La Table Française, TV shows, Languages

Emily Crawford

MAJOR
Management
YEAR
3rd year
HOMETOWN
Glennville, GA
Hello everyone, my name is Emily Crawford! I’m a third-year student from Glennville, Georgia (912 represent!). I am majoring in Management with an emphasis in Human Resources Analytics along with minors in Korean Language and Literature and International Affairs. I love all different types of music, trying new foods, learning random trivia facts, and being around animals. On campus, you can usually find me working in the Joe Brown lobby or hanging out in the Business Learning Commons. Welcome to UGA and I can’t wait to meet you!
 
Ask Me About: Dean William Tate Honor Society, Arch Society, UGA Society for Human Resources Management, Korean Language and Culture Society, UGA Ronald McDonald House Club, Rural Student Ambassador, Books for Keeps, and UGA sporting events

Zurnia Dickerson

MAJOR
Special Education with an emphasis in Adapted Curriculum
YEAR
2nd year
HOMETOWN
Griffin, GA
Heyy! My name is Zurnia Dickerson and I am a second-year from Griffin, Georgia! My major is Special Education (Adapted Curriculum) and I am on the Pre-OT track! I love helping people and learning about new things. I am incredibly excited to meet and help students on this wonderful campus. I love playing pool at Tate, so you will likely find me there!
 
Ask Me About: Shop with a Bulldog (SWAB), Dawg Camp, Xtension, Pre-Occupational Therapy Club (Omega Tau)

Molly Gilarde

MAJOR
Social Work
YEAR
4th year
HOMETOWN
Bedford, MA
Hi! My name is Molly! I’m a fourth year studying Social Work with a certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership, and I’m from Bedford, Massachusetts! Coming so far away to college, I understand what it feels like to be unsure of your place at UGA. I’m super passionate about helping other students get connected on campus! You can usually find me walking around North Campus (or really anywhere on campus) and studying in Tate!
 
Ask Me About: Dawg Camp, Serve UGA, Greek Life, Camp Kesem, Institute for Leadership Advancement, Honors College, being from out of state

Ailey Gustafson

MAJOR
International Affairs & Religion
YEAR
3rd year
HOMETOWN
Marietta, GA
Hello friends, my name is Ailey! I am a third-year, from Marietta, Georgia. I triple major in International Affairs, Political Science, and Religion. I am also on the Pre-Law Track and getting a minor in American Sign Language!! If I’m not in class, or running around campus frantically, you can probably find me somewhere in the outdoors, reading a book (something with a happy ending, please), laughing with friends, or spontaneously trying to learn a new language (I just went off to India for 11 weeks to learn Hindi).
 
Ask Me About: Disability Resource Center (and living with a disability), Arch Society, The Fontaine Center, Student Government Association, International Student Life, Professional Clothing Closet

Rebecca Harmon

MAJOR
Economics
YEAR
4th year
HOMETOWN
Augusta, GA
Hi everyone! My name is Rebecca and I’m a fourth-year from Augusta, GA. I’m studying Economics with a minor in Political Science and an Emphasis in Business Analytics. I love to read, hang-out with friends, and run and grab coffee! I love working with Student Transitions and getting to help incoming students find their place at UGA!

Fareena Hisamuddin

MAJOR
Biology
YEAR
4th year
HOMETOWN
Marietta, GA
Hey! My name is Fareena, and I am from Marietta, Georgia. I am a fourth-year Biology major on the Pre-Med track! You can typically find me hanging out at Tate, relaxing on Myers Quad, or studying at the Science Library. I am so excited to meet you!
 
Ask Me About: Arch Society, Honors College, Undergraduate Research, Study Abroad, Leadership UGA, Prepared Dawgs Ambassador Program

Mason Howard

MAJOR
Management Information Systems YEAR
4th year
HOMETOWN
Snellville, GA
Hey everyone! My name is Mason Howard! I am a rising fourth-year Management Information Systems student with a minor in Computer Science from Snellville, Georgia! On campus, I am Resident Assistant, Morehead Honors College Ambassador, and I am a part of Leadership Team for Dawg Camp! Ask me about navigating campus life and leadership opportunities at UGA! I’ve gained valuable insights through my involvement here and am eager to share tips on leveraging our university’s resources, balancing academics with extracurricular activities, or simply chatting about the college experience. Reach out to make the most of your time at UGA!

Shweta Krishnan

MAJOR
Journalism & Political Science
YEAR
3rd year
HOMETOWN
Marietta, GA
Hi! My name is Shweta Krishnan, and I’m a third year from Marietta, Georgia double majoring Journalism and Political Science. I’m also pursuing a minor in Law, Jurisprudence and the State, and certificates in News Literacy and Public Affairs Communications. I’m hoping to go to law school after my time at UGA, and hopefully, pursue public interest law. I’m super excited to help people find their special place on campus because UGA has been one of the most impactful places in my life. You can always find me studying on the 3rd floor of the MLC or hanging out with friends in Tate!! I’m always down to get coffee, so please feel free to reach out! 🙂
 
Ask Me About: Arch Society, Shop With a Bulldawg (SWAB), Honors Student Council, News Literacy Certificate, Public Affairs Communications Certificate, International Student Orientation World Leaders

Yuna Lee

MAJOR
Biology
YEAR
4th year
HOMETOWN
Suwanee, GA
Hey, my name is Yuna! I’m a fourth-year from Suwanee, Georgia. I’m studying Biology on the Pre-Dental Track and have minors in Global Health, Korean Language and Literature, and Applied Biotechnology. You can usually find me in the Science Library, strolling around South Campus (super pretty in the spring!), or hanging out with friends. I’m super excited to meet you!

Trey Manning

MAJOR
Psychology
YEAR
4th year
HOMETOWN
Jesup, GA
My name is Trey Manning, I am a first-generation students from Jesup, GA. I am a fourth year psychology major hoping to pursue a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Feel free to ask me about being first-generation – UGA has lots of resources available for us; Dawg Camp Extended Orientation; I am an RA in Libscomb previously Russell for 2 years so feel free to ask me questions regarding housing; I am also a member of the Filipino Student Association so feel free to ask me about some of the cultural orgs in the International Student Life Office in Memorial Hall; Also, feel free to ask me about the Pride Center as they also host many different programs and resources for queer people of all identities; I am also a Pell grant recipient and have had to appeal my financial aid due to special circumstances so if you have any questions about that please feel free to ask!

Amelia McCorvey

MAJOR
Nutritional Sciences
YEAR
4th year
HOMETOWN
Savannah, GA
Hi there! My name is Amelia and I’m from Savannah, Georgia. I’m a fourth-year student majoring in nutritional sciences and minoring in general business. I love trying new coffee shops and restaurants around town and finding fun events to attend! I enjoy cooking, reading, aerial silks, and connecting with friends. I am super excited to chat with students and help them find a community they love here. I hope to meet you soon!
 
Ask Me About: Greek Life, Dawg Camp, Designated Dawgs, well-being resources, exploring majors, community events, and studying abroad

Tiana Mobley

MAJOR
Psychology & Cognitive Science
YEAR
4th year
HOMETOWN
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Heyyy! My name is Tiana Mobley. I am a rising fourth year majoring in psychology with an emphasis in neuroscience and a minor in communication studies. I am from Virginia Beach, VA. Ask me about being an out-of-state student, being a minority at UGA, STEM classes, research, advice about what I wish I had done while at UGA, and of course being a Transition Leader! Can’t wait to talk you!

Swetha Pendela

MAJOR
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & International Affairs
YEAR
3rd year
HOMETOWN
Cumming, GA
Hey Y’all! My name is Swetha Pendela, and I am a third year from Cumming, GA double majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology as well as international affairs on the pre-med track! On campus, you will find me studying at the MLC or graduate study room in the Main Library! I love being around my friends, meeting new people, and absolutely LOVE coffee and food! I am very passionate about serving the UGA and Athens-Clarke County community as well. If you see me around please say hey! I am so excited to meet each of you and help you make UGA your home!
 
Ask Me About: Undergraduate Research (CURO), The Honors College, Arch Society, Orientation Leaders, Prelude Dance Ensemble, Science Olympiad Outreach, anything Pre-Med/Healthcare!

A'Miracle Rhodes

MAJOR
Psychology & Sociology
YEAR
2nd year
HOMETOWN
Ashburn, GA
Hey y’all! My name is A’Miracle Rhodes, and I’m from Ashburn, GA (Repping the 229!). I am a third-year double majoring in Psychology & Sociology with a double minor in Women’s Studies and Criminal Justice on the pre-law track! I would call myself a “professional yapper” and I absolutely love being a guide or help for students on campus so don’t be afraid to reach out to me! You can find me hanging out with my friends, editing, or doing a good word search! Can’t wait to meet you!
 
Involvement: Dawg Camp, Black Pre-Law Student Association, Empowerment Circle, Resident Assistant w/ University Housing, and Pre-Professional Student Ambassador

Kaylin Riley

MAJOR
Biochemical Engineering
YEAR
3rd year
HOMETOWN
Columbus, GA
Hi! My name is Kaylin and I am from Columbus, GA. I am a third year majoring in Biochemical Engineering. I am super passionate about the environment, sustainability, and serving our local community. I love helping people find their niches and their communities on campus. You will usually find me studying on the fourth floor of MLC and possibly in Tate with a Matcha in hand. I can’t wait to meet you!
 
Ask Me About: Black Affairs Council, IMPACT, National Society of Black Engineers, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, TRIO-STEM H, my experience as an engineer, being a lab assistant, secret study spots

Alekhya Seelam

MAJOR
Management Information Systems
YEAR
3rd year
HOMETOWN
Johns Creek, GA
Hey guys. I am Alekhya, and I am from Johns Creek, GA. I am a third-year majoring in Management Information Systems, minoring in Law, Jurisprudence, and the State with a certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership. I love hanging out (and trying to be productive) at Tate or trying new restaurants in Athens. I love meeting new people and helping them make UGA feel like home. I am excited to meet you all.

Sneha Shadija

MAJOR
Genetics
YEAR
3rd year
HOMETOWN
Mumbai, India
Hello everyone! I’m Sneha Shadija, a third-year Genetics major hailing from Mumbai, India. As an international student and a transfer student ambassador, I’m here to lend a hand whenever needed. When I’m not buried in textbooks, you can find me indulging in my favorite pastimes like reading—I’m a huge fan of Khaled Hosseini—watching movies, or simply chilling with friends over coffee. Downtown Athens has some amazing cafes that I adore, so if you ever need suggestions for fun hangout spots, feel free to hit me up!
 
Ask Me About: International Student Life, transfer student life, Transfer Student Ambassador program.

Vanshika Sinha

MAJOR
Biology
YEAR
3rd year
HOMETOWN
Columbus, GA
Hey y’all! My name is Vanshika Sinha and I am from Cumming, Georgia. I am a rising third year this year majoring in biology on the pre-professional track. I am passionate about helping people find their place on campus. I love being outdoors, hanging out with friends and meeting new people.
 
Ask Me About: Undergraduate Research, MEDLife, Peer Tutoring, Multicultural Greek Life (Delta Phi Omega)

Val Suarez

MAJOR
Exercise and Sports Science
YEAR
3rd year
HOMETOWN
Dacula, GA
Hi everyone! My name is Val Suarez and I am a third year Exercise and Sports science major from Dacula, Ga. I am a first-gen student, and some things I am involved with include New Student Orientation, TRIO, Wesley Church, and I work at the UGA bookstore! In my free time, I love to hang out with friends, dance, and eat at different places in Athens! If there is anything I can help you with or you just wanna chat, please do not hesitate to reach out! Excited to meet y’all!

Hanna Wessells

MAJOR
Nutritional Sciences
YEAR
4th year
HOMETOWN
Newnan, GA
My name is Hanna Wessells, and I am a fourth year Nutritional Sciences major. I am from Newnan, Georgia and am currently on the pre-PA track. I love meeting new people, working out, and finding coffee shops! Looking forward to meeting all the new Dawgs!
 
Ask Me About: Pre-PA club, College of FACS, Nutritional Science major, and wellness resources

Linda Zapata

MAJOR
Biology
YEAR
3rd year
HOMETOWN
Dalton, GA

Hi! My name is Linda Zapata, and I’m from Dalton, Georgia! I’m a third-year Biomedical Physiology student on the pre-dental track! You can definitely find me in one of the Main Library study rooms with a coffee in my hand. I love trying new restaurants and finding new places to study across Athens I can’t wait to meet you and help you out in any way possible!

Ask Me About: Hispanic Student Association, Pre-Dental Society, Dental Minority Dawgs, TRIO McNair Scholars program, navigating UGA as a first-gen student, and jewelry making!!

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Interested in Becoming a Transition Leader?

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