STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Gabriela Castillo
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Major:
Biology
Transferred from:University of North Georgia
What do you enjoy most about UGA?
I enjoy the diversity and the plethora of resources available to students.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student?
I would advise potential students to take the plunge. The University has so many resources available to students. I personally have benefit from the tutoring, scholarships, and the community it offers.
Campus involvements and/or achievements:
One of my most recent accomplishments was being awarded the 2023 Student Veteran Leadership Award for having a positive impact at the University.
Tyra Hill
Transfer Ambassador
School/College:
School of Public and International Affairs
Major:
Political Science and International Affairs
Transferred from:
Louisiana State University
What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student?Attend basketball games with friends and take the time to carve out your space on campus. Discover your small world within this large community!
Campus involvements and/or achievements
I am a student staff member with the Department of Student Transitions, a Dawg Camp counselor, and a Transfer Ambassador. My clubs/organizations include Revive Book Club, and Black pre-law student association.
Bailey Oller
Dawg Camp
College of Pharmacy, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Majors:
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences & Doctor of Pharmacy
Transferred from:
Georgia Southern University
What do you enjoy most about UGA?
I truly enjoy the community and friendships that I have been able to build as a result of receiving an education at the University of Georgia, I created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime and been connected with some of the most notable alumni in the world. I will forever be grateful to be a Bulldog!
What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student?
I would advise that they have a just say yes mindset! You never know where your journey will take you and what life has in-store for you! Join the club, try the restaurant, make friends with people in your classes you never know what could lay ahead!
Campus involvements and/or achievements
I have been a member of several on campus organizations including: Delta Gamma, UGA Relay for Life, UGA BCM, UGA Miracle Network, MEDLife, the American Conservation Coalition, Lambda Kappa Sigma Pharmaceutical Sorority, NCPA, APHA, GA-APHA and more notably Dawg Camp Adventure!
Nick Parsons
Terry College of Business
Major:
Finance
Transferred from: Kennesaw State University
What do you enjoy most about UGA?
I love the strong sense of community. Everyone on campus just seems to be so eager to participate and help build an incredible culture. So many people I’ve met seem so engaged and friendly – it really goes to show why UGA is the best University out there!
What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student? Don’t be scared to get involved! Everyone here is so dedicated to building up this great community.
Campus involvements and/or achievements
Dawg Camp Counselor and Leadership Team Member, Phi Kappa Theta, UGA Common Ground, Kennesaw State University President’s List
Mary Rains
UGA Engage
Major: Environmental Economics and Management
Transferred from: Virginia Tech
What do you enjoy most about UGA?
I love how easy it was to jump in and get involved. All the students were so supportive and welcoming to the transfers and I was able to find things I was interested in doing almost immediately. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to study away with UGA and visit national parks while focusing on politics in federal lands. I’ve met some amazing individuals and built leadership experience through UGA Connect Peer Leaders and Transfer Student Club. And last but not least, I’m slowly learning all the football traditions so I can become a full-fledged bulldog!
What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student?
It is never too late to transfer. I was scared transferring so late into my college time would set me back in friendships, leadership opportunities, graduation, etc. Instead, it did the exact opposite. UGA has created an amazing atmosphere that is open to everyone and everything you’re interested in. If you want a place to expand your potential, UGA is the place.
Campus involvements and/or achievements:
President of Transfer Student Club, UGA Engage Co-Director, UGA Study Away participant, on-campus employee, Environmental Economics and Management Club, Young Democrats Club
CHRISTION ROLLINS
STUDENT AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Major:
Physics
Transferred from:
Georgia Southern University
What do you enjoy most about UGA?
I enjoy the community at UGA and how they make a point to show all their resources around campus, ensuring students know how to access them. They also make academics as streamlined as possible through academic coaching, technology, and tech lending.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student? Don’t be afraid to get involved even though you’re not a freshman. Take full advantage of all the new student resources at UGA such as the Engagement Fair and Study Away Fair!
Campus involvements and/or achievements:
I studied abroad in Japan. I am a Pride Ambassador. I serve on the Student Affairs Advisory Board. Some organizations I am involved in include, Caribsa, Q-Stone, O-STEM, and Physics Club. I also do research!
Alekhya Seelam
School/College:
Terry College of Business
Major:
Management Information Systems
Transferred from:
Georgia State University
Campus involvements and/or achievements
UNICEF – Treasurer, Kappa Alpha Pi, SGA Professional Clothing Closet – Operations Associate
SNEHA SHADIJA
School/College:
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Major:
Genetics
Transferred from:
Indiana University Bloomington
What do you enjoy most about UGA?
UGA offers a strong sense of community with something for everyone, whether it’s academic clubs, sports, or cultural organizations. The campus is diverse and welcoming, with support systems like advising and mentoring to help students succeed. There is something for everyone here, and it feels like a home away from home.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student?
One key piece of advice I would give to transfer students is to not be afraid to ask for help and to get involved on campus as much as possible. It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when transitioning to a new environment, but there are plenty of resources available—whether it’s academic advising, tutoring, or just asking a professor or peer for guidance. Everyone wants to see you succeed. At the same time, getting involved in clubs, organizations, or campus events is a great way to meet new people and build connections. Being active in the campus community not only helps you feel more comfortable, but it also opens up opportunities for personal growth, networking, and making the most of your time at the university. The more engaged you are, the more you’ll feel at home and gain a richer experience overall.
Campus involvements and/or achievements:
I’m currently involved as part of the Student Transitions Team as a Transition Leader, helping new students adjust to campus life. I’m also a Transfer Student Ambassador for the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, where I support incoming transfer students. Additionally, I’m involved in research on campus, which has been a great way to expand my academic experience.
Bri Smith
School/College:
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Major:
Biochemistry and Molecular Sciences
Transferred from:
Georgia State University
What do you enjoy most about UGA?
I love the campus life – which was a huge part of why I decided to transition here. Mostly everyone has been so welcoming and inclusive to so many different people from a variety of different backgrounds, including myself. There are plenty of chances to get involved and so far, I have already joined 2 new organizations!
What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential transfer student?
Do not be worried about connecting with others! I was anxious about meeting new people when first arriving at the university, but I have already been placed in multiple environments where I have literally had to start up a friendly chat – whether in class or at an already occupied table at one of several busy dining halls! UGA hosts so many events throughout the year, especially during your first week, so never fear that you’ll be alone because 9 times out of 10 you never will be.
Campus involvements and/or achievements:
2022 Georgia State University Student of the Semester – Introductory Biology I Lecture and Lab 2023; Georgia State University Student of the Semester – 1151 Survey of Chemistry 2022; GSU Fall President’s List 2023; GSU Spring President’s List 2023-2024; Oglethorpe House Community Council President; Dawg Camp Counselor
Hanna Wessells
College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Major:
Nutritional Sciences
Transferred from:
University of West Georgia
Campus involvements and/or achievements:
Transition Leader, Pre-PA Club
Linda Zapata
School/College:
College of Veterinary Medicine
Major:
Biomedical Physiology
Transferred from:
Dalton State College
What do you enjoy most about UGA?
The opportunities available to me, as well as the culture!
Campus involvements and/or achievements:
UGA Student Transitions, TRIO McNair Scholars, LISTo, and Hispanic Student Association