Sarah Harris '26 and Kayla Harry '26 (/Keith Walters '11)
Transferring to a different school often means starting anew: finding support groups, learning new systems, and weaving into a campus culture already in motion.
For psychology major Kayla Harry ’26 and marketing major Sarah Harris ’26, transferring to was both eye-opening and motivating. Each came to Geneseo and quickly realized how complex it can be to arrive midstream.
“When I first came to Geneseo, I noticed it was challenging to find a community because everyone already had their cliques,” says Harris.
Individually, both Harry and Harris began searching for ways to make the transfer experience smoother. Their paths converged when staff in the Department of Student Life introduced them to each other and encouraged them to start .
The club hosts events that blend social connection with practical support. Karaoke and game nights, paint-and-sip gatherings, and collaborations with Main Street businesses give students a chance to meet one another and discover new ways to get involved on campus and in the greater community.
“We try to teach new students the ins and outs of Geneseo—the things we had to figure out ourselves,” Harris says. “Even simple stuff like how registration works or where to go for help can make a huge difference.”
Both students acknowledge that transferring anywhere presents challenges, but at Geneseo, students are empowered to shape their own experience. Through opportunities to start clubs and lead initiatives, transfer students like Harry and Harris have found ways to build community and help others succeed with the support of faculty, staff, and peers who believe in learning by doing.
“No matter where you transfer, there’s always a culture shock,” Harry says. “It’s just a matter of how you apply yourself to those environments.”
They hope the club will encourage all students, whether new or returning, to take advantage of the many student club opportunities Geneseo offers.
Harris admits that putting yourself out there takes courage, especially when you’re building something from scratch. But, she says with a smile, “the risk is worth it. Even if we only help two people, that’s enough.”