We love Siena Commuters! The Commuter Transition Program aims to assist first-year commuter students with their adjustment to life at Siena through mentorship and dedicated programming.
The Commuter Transition Program (CTP) acts as a bridge to assist first-year commuter students in their transition from high school to life at Siena. The program connects new commuter students with a group of well-established Siena students called Commuter Transition Specialists (CTs). CTs introduce them to important resources across the College, Siena's DORS values (Diversity, Optimism, Respect, and Service), and the College's Franciscan mission through inclusive programming. Support and guidance are offered during Orientation, but the CTP is a year-long mentorship opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moddie Linen - Assistant Dean of Students, Commuter Transition Program Advisor
Major in College: Undergraduate - A.A. in Psychology, B.A. in Relational Communication; Graduate - M.Ed. in Student Success in Higher Education.
Commutes from: Latham, NY
Why are you excited to be a part of this program?: I understand firsthand the unique challenges that commuter students often face, as I commuted for a few semesters during my college career. Siena offers excellent programs that support academic success for all students, and I saw CTP as a wonderful opportunity to help foster a sense of belonging, enhance social connections, and be a resource for commuters on campus.
Favorite song to jam to in the car: "Public Service Announcement" by Jay-Z
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I want to be apart of CTP to ease the transition to college for incoming commuter students. This program greatly helped me adjust during my first year at Siena and now I hope to give back by working to make the program the best that it can be!
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving?"Drivers License" by Olivia Rodrigo
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program?I want to help commuters connect better with student life. Commuters often get overlooked and forgotten about when it comes to college life outside of classes. I wanted to help change that and make Siena's commuter experience more enjoyable.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "Down Bad" by Taylor Swift
Aaminah Afzal - Commuter Transition Specialist
Class Year: Senior
Major: Biology
Commutes from: Latham
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? CTP was a great resource for me as a commuter freshman! I wanted to give back to the Siena Community by being a part of the team that welcomes commuters to Siena!
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving?"A Sky full of Stars" by Coldplay
Dianna Esa - Commuter Transition Specialist
Class Year: Senior
Major: Criminal Justice
Commutes from: Duanesburg, NY (originally from Queens)
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I wanted to join the Commuter Transition Program because I understand the challenges commuters face, such as balancing travel and academic responsibilities. Being a commuter myself, I’m passionate about helping new commuters adjust and feel supported. My goal is to provide guidance and resources that make their transition smoother and help them succeed.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving?"Love" by Keyshia Cole
Hilbriel Jan Hilvano - Commuter Transition Specialist
Class Year: Senior
Major: Biology
Commutes from: Colonie, NY
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I wanted to become a CT because the transition from high school to college is a significant change. Balancing work, school work, and having a social life was a not an easy task, but with the guidance of my CT and along with the friends I have made in Siena I was able to adjust. I would like to use my experience to provide guidance for the incoming freshmen and become a person they can look to for help.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "Marmalade" by Macklemore feat. Lil Yachty
Mahnoor Hasan - Commuter Transition Specialist
Class Year: Senior
Major: English
Commutes from: Albany, NY
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I wanted to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program to help first-year commuters at Siena through their transition as it can be a stressful time for some. I hope to help in making their first-year less worrisome and more enjoyable!
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "Best Song Ever" by One Direction
Kaite Pitts- Commuter Transition Specialist
Class Year: Senior
Major: Biochemistry
Commutes from: Ballston Spa, NY
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I wanted to help kids transition into a non-traditional college career. As both a commuter and a transfer student to Siena, I had a lot of first hand experience on what I was missing during my first year at Siena. By being a part of the CT Program, I’m able to provide the support and connections to incoming students that I missed out on.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? I don’t have a favorite song but I’ve been on a country music kick recently.
Milo Zlatev - Commuter Transition Specialist
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Biology
Commutes from: Bethlehem, NY
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I wanted to impact commuters experience at Siena the same way my CT impacted mine last year.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "Piano Man" by Billy Joel
Samina Hanif - Commuter Transition Specialist
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Biochemistry
Commutes from: Colonie, NY
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? To help ease the difficult transition from high school to college and provide insight on navigating the college atmosphere.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "Fall Back" by Lithe
Sana Seth - Commuter Transition Specialist
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Psychology
Commutes from: Latham, NY
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? This program helped me a lot when I was a freshman and I wanted to carry that forward.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "Moth to a Flame" by Swedish House Mafia
Vanessa Granato - Commuter Transition Specialist
Class Year: Senior
Major: Communications - Journalism, Minor in English
Commutes from: Latham, NY
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I want to make incoming freshman feel welcome at Siena and be a person that they can turn to when they need support!
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)" by The 1975
- Commuter Transition Specialist
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Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program?
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving?"