Constantly, students and staff will come into the Intercultural Center and hear people talking about the Transitions Program. Knowing little to nothing about the program, they ask, “What is the Transitions Program?” A mentee from this year’s freshman class, Amerly De Los Santos, does a great job at answering the question: “I would describe transitions as a program that helps you not only get familiar with campus, but also to find a community on campus… I believe I would not have made as many friends as I did through transitions. I definitely would have felt a little more alone on campus if I didn’t find a community through transitions. I’ve seen many people find their place on campus through transitions and a place to be themselves.” A key goal of the program is to create an environment that prioritizes belonging and care for others. “The Transition Program is a preorientation program aimed at acclimating students who historically benefit from greater support as they enter college,” says Israel Small, Class of 2026. To put it simply, “Transitions is a family. It’s a program where you can find your people while adjusting to campus,” says a second-year member of the program and karaoke star, Matthew Roosevelt, Class of 2028.

Shyrynn Covino, a mentee from the class of 2029, said that “It [Transitions] means community… My experience was amazing; everyone was so helpful. My mentor was amazing. She helped me feel less nervous about starting college.” Brianne Boyd, Class of 2026, also started her first year in the program this semester, but as a senior mentor. “The Transitions Program is a place where new students can find a sense of belonging… This is my first time ever being a part of the program! I was never a mentee or mentor during my first three years at Saint A’s, but I’m so grateful I finally had the opportunity to join the Transitions community. I have made so many new friends through the program, and I have felt so welcomed by everyone at the Intercultural Center. I remember feeling so scared when I started my freshman year, so getting to help our first-year students feel better about the transition has been such a pleasure. I’m excited to watch them all grow throughout the year,” she said. Brianne also touched on my favorite part of the program, which is actually the training that we do before the mentees arrive on campus. “Our mentor training was very helpful, and it has made me a better leader. We learned so much about campus resources and how to be active listeners and support systems for the mentees,” she said. “My favorite part about transitions was the activities that helped us get familiar with Manchester by taking us out into the community and seeing the different cultures that make up Manchester.” The Cultural Engagement portion of the program is always an incredible experience of several cultures’ art and food, just outside of campus.

The Transitions Program is not just a pre-orientation program, but a week of growth, social awareness, and the creation of an inseparable community. Program Director, Siri Dabbi, herself embodies the program and runs the invaluable training that we all genuinely love. “I want to touch on the team. I started this job three years ago. So, my first year class are now juniors. I am always blown away by their level of compassion and willingness to try to understand, and be there for others, while attending to their identities, their pasts, presents, and futures. When it comes to the mentees, the value in just being able to have more smiling faces around that you’ve already had a shared experience with, in such an intimate setting, is such a huge relief, and I see how comfortable they are asking for help. Being with each other and raising their voices because of the program,” emphasizing how Transitions empowers students. 

This year concludes Israel Small’s fourth and final year in the program, and no one can communicate the importance of the work that the Intercultural Center does better than he. “I am a Transitions truther. I would not still be at Saint A’s if it weren’t for the compassion of the community. My last two years as a mentor have been coloured by RA training, but anytime Transitions came up in the schedule, I knew that some of my best friends and folks who make Multi feel like home would be around to make the best of the time we had together. I’ve seen my friends grow into genuine leaders and a part of the fabric of the Hilltop community. Like it or not, fund it or not, whatever… Transitions is an experience that brings you closer to your class as a first-year, and gives you an opportunity to lead and to give back as you get older. I have a deep pride for my ‘kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids’ as well as my many ‘nieces and nephews’ for standing by each other to make it just a bit easier to call this place so far from home, home.” Without the Transitions Program, so many students would be without fundamental resources and connections that are essential