Facing The Challenge

Dear, freshman

I would like to welcome you to Cal State Los Angeles. After many years of hard work and struggles you have finally made it to college. I know that you are happy and really excited to take on this adventure. At the same time you might be full of doubts and insecurities but do not worry about it, I felt the exact same way.

I still remember the day I received my acceptance letter from CSULA, I was full of joy and could not believe that I had made it. What made me even happier was that I was going to be a first generation college student. I did not only saw this as my accomplishment, it was my family and I. Even though I was really excited I did not stop thinking about the negative obstacles that I might face later on. I had a mixture of feelings and felt scare. I did not know if I was going to be able to take on the challenge. The only thing that I was sure about was that I was not going to miss the opportunity of attending a four year college.

I am now about to officially finish my first year of college. It was not easy; I started the year with a financial problem. I was notified by the financial office that my financial packet was not going to be ready on time so I had to pay out of pocket for my first quarter. I was not expecting this problem. Fortunately my parents were able to manage and get the money. For the following quarter my financial packet was ready.

First Year Experience and EOP are two programs that really helped me during my first year at CSULA. In the First Year Experience I was able to meet many freshman students like myself. Being part of this program gave me many advantages. I was able to make friends, who to my surprise were in most of my classes. The First Year Experience program also offered classes that I was able to take advantage of.  I was also able to get informed of the many things that our campus has to offer during the discussions that we had once a week. EOP was also a big help because I was able to get priority registration. My EOP adviser offered me many advice in which classes to take and which ones to wait on.

The first suggestion that I would suggest you to do is to meet your major advisor as soon as possible. So that you can get inform and start planning what classes to take and the amount. They will guide you through and will give you many helpful information. You can also talk to them about anything, they are always willing to help and inform you. The second suggestion that I would suggest would be for you to take advantage of your professor’s office hours. Do not be afraid to go and ask for help or even if it is only to clarify a question.

The best and most important advice that I can share with you can be to wisely manage your time. Stay on top of your classes and assignments. Study hard and always be on time and prepare for class. If possible do not miss a single day of class. You should also make time to enjoy yourself and enjoy your college experience. Do not let the college life and work consume you. Just give it your best and stay strong through every situation.

I wished I had known how to manage my time. I had to learn the hard way by staying up late just to finish my assignments. It was not easy but I feel that in this year I have learned to manage more wisely my time. I have also learned how to make decisions that will benefit me and my education goals.

Sincerely,

A freshman