Dear Freshman,
I
remember feeling nervous and excited on my first day at Cal State LA. I was so
excited and nervous that I forgot to bring a writing utensil for my math class.
I decided that I would go to the university bookstore, but I had no idea that
one pencil would cost so much. There was a lot that I went through during my
first quarter that helped me survive my first year.
During my first year at CSULA, I was
in a program called the First Year Experience (FYE). The program was a big help
from providing permits for classes to discussions. In fall quarter, FYE gave permits for classes
in block E, also known as introduction to higher education courses. In that
class, we were given a lot of useful information about the resources we have on
campus. My professor made everyone go on a scavenger hunt, which was really
fun. It gave us the opportunity to get to know where our school resources are
at and what they provide. We went to places like academic advisement center,
study abroad program, and the health center. Taking courses on block E during your first year is useful because you professor will help you transitioned into college and provide helpful resources on campus.
The FYE program also provided
discussions. My discussion leader was Uriel Serrano, who is a great leader that
provided interesting discussions and resources to our campus. He brought
speakers to our class from the health care center and financial aid center. We
talked about how society views women, questioned laws like should cannabis be
illegal, and how the media present women. Uriel also guided us whenever we need
help with any other classes. The discussions were very helpful and an
interesting experience.
Before entering my fall quarter, I wish someone had told to
save up my money. In the past year, I have realized college is very expensive. In
college, students realize that they are finally adults and have to take bigger
responsibilities. As freshman, you will need to be responsible to get your own textbooks, go to class, do
assignments on time, study
for exams, eat healthy, have enough money to eat, and balance everything in your life.
One day when I was browsing the Internet, I came upon some CSULA
groups on Facebook. They have groups from students selling textbooks to majors.
I was interested in the textbook groups and joined it; I realized students sold
textbooks much cheaper than the bookstore. These Facebook groups are a great
alternative to the university bookstore on campus, because you save money. In
high school, many of us ditched class, but college is different. When you
choose not to go to class you have to realize that it may affect you in some way.
Most classes are mostly based on lectures and once you miss one class you may
feel lost in the next class meeting. Some students do encounter problems and
may not be able to go to class, but some professors allow students to exchange
numbers and emails at the beginning of the quarter. Students should take
advantage of this, even if professors do not require you to exchange contact
information you should just incase. It’s useful because you may forget what the
homework was or sometimes you won’t be able to make it to class and need some
notes. It’s also a way to make a new friend.
In college, some students have other
responsibilities like jobs or their social lives. When managing everything,
it’s important to balance things and not to procrastinate when it comes to
schoolwork. The FYE program has also been a big impact on my first year.
Joining a group that shows support like FYE will benefit you in many ways and
enhance your first year in college. Good luck freshman, I am sure all of you
will do fine. If you feel like you want to give up go to someone who you
comfortable with and could encourage you. I’m sure they will tell that you can
do it, because you can!
Sincerely,
Nadine
Alcazar
A First Year Experience program event
Pen Pal Event
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