Transfer leader Kaitlyn Briggs walks down Hollywood Boulevard to complete the scavenger hunt. Photo credit: Kimberly Smith
Saturday, Feb. 15, APU transfer students were invited to a Hollywood Scavenger Hunt, hosted by the Office of Orientation and Transitions. Senior communication studies major Cassie Alaniz and senior music major Rebekah McAuley, both OAT transfer interns, organized and planned the event with the help of “Team Transfer,” a group of transfer coordinators and leaders.
The group met at the corner of Orange Drive and Hollywood Boulevard, in front of Madame Tussaud’s famous wax museum. Initially, two transfer leaders were stationed at every designated spot of the hunt. Because only four transfer students arrived to participate, the leaders joined in and created more teams.
“The primary purpose behind our events is to create a welcoming environment for transfer students to meet other transfers,” Alaniz said. “We specifically picked Hollywood for our scavenger hunt because it is known as one of California’s most iconic spots. We enjoy incorporating a sightseeing spot per semester, since oftentimes we have transfers not familiar with the area.”
The competing groups received a paper which included 12 photo descriptions along with 12 clues. For convenience, each of the locations was within walking distance of the meeting spot. In order to win, the group had to find each location and take a photo as proof. An incentive in the form of a $20 Starbucks gift card went to every member of the winning team.
“The scavenger hunt was great,” sophomore global studies major Lauren Mordachini said. “We had such an awesome time running around Hollywood.”
Senior Christian ministries major Leann Indelicato, a transfer coordinator, explained how challenging it is to predict the student turnout for these events. While a large group might attend one event, only a few students might attend another.
The OAT helps new students “transition into the university setting,” according to the APU website. Team Transfer, however, is specifically geared toward helping transfer students get connected with a new student body. The team includes two interns, two transfer coordinators and 12 transfer leaders.
Transfer meetings and events differ from the Alpha program (which also works within the OAT office) because they are all optional, explained Alaniz. Leaders are encouraged to plan a monthly outing for their assigned group, while interns Alaniz and McAuley outline a monthly event for all new transfers.
“I’m incredibly blessed to be a transfer leader because I’m given the opportunity to help people feel loved and welcomed into the APU family,” junior communication studies major Tyler Francis said. “APU holds such a strong emphasis on living life in community with one another, and I’m able to assist transfer students in doing just that. We do our best to be our goofy selves and enjoy life with our new brothers and sisters at APU.”
After the interns have planned each event, the leaders then reach out to their assigned groups and encourage them to attend.
“Some of our future events this semester will include a Latin night with food, music, a dance lesson and activities,” Alaniz said. “We are also looking into a movie on the lawn and possibly an end-of-the-year pool party.”
Team Transfer is accepting applications until Feb. 19 for next year’s team. For more information, visit http://www.apu.edu/transitions/programs/teamtransfer/.