Pulling Through

Dear College Freshman,

            I welcome you all to Cal State LA, and as well congratulate you on officially becoming a college student. Its not too long ago that I was once in your place which means I know exactly what you will be going through your first year of college. Maybe some of you already know what to expect from college, however, some might not. Which is fine because I used to be one of those students who had no sort of idea of what to expect from it since I was a first generation college student. My expectations of college were very different than how it turned out to be. In some way I expected it to be easy, and not very stressful, however I was wrong. I’m writing this letter because I have some advice I would like to share with all of you, I would like to discuss some things I wish I’d known when I was in your position. High School to college is a huge transition because were so used to something different than what college wants from us. However, don’t feel discouraged about it, pull through it.

            For instance, one thing I would have wanted to know as I started college was about remedial classes. Some of you may be aware of what it is by now, but for the ones that don’t I will gladly explain. Remedial courses are classes that some students must take in order to build up Math or English before they are allowed to take regular college course. At the beginning of my college year I was placed in remedial Math and English. I find it funny how back in high school I was an honor student, and in my freshman year I was placed in remedial courses. It wasn’t any mistake, I actually belonged there due to the fact how poor I did on my placement test. I just would have liked for someone to tell me it was that important, I know for a fact I would of actually put more focus to it. For the students that are placed in remedial classes my advice to you is to not get discouraged, it may seem frustrating that you have to make up Math and English, but the best thing to do is to pass the courses. I know how it feels, but now I’m past that, and so will you.

            In addition, I would also like to discuss the amazing programs there are at Cal State LA such as, The First Year Experience Program and EOP. Many of you will be in the FYE program, and word of advice just because you might thing its just a waste of time it isn’t. Throughout my first year of college I have come by some student who thought of the FYE program as a waste of their time, and not useful what so ever. With all honesty I was one of those students, however, once I started to attend the group discussions my point of view completely changed. The FYE program provides many advantages to freshman students such as, reserving classes, book scholarships, and fun social activities. If you are a confused college student just as I was, let me tell you something, this program is just for you. Registering for classes early in the morning is torture enough, but you wont have to worry if you’re in the FYE program because they will reserve the classes you need. The book scholarships also come in handy because I mean who doesn’t like free money for books, I know I do. Take advantage of the programs Cal State LA offers you because trust me it does come of great help.

            As a college student you will have to face many struggles, but you must overcome them. It isn’t easy as some of you might thing it is, but we must pull through it. My advice to you is to take advantage of the programs the school has to offer, and don’t slack off on your classes. This isn’t high school anymore; college requires more responsibility and dedication. Overall, have fun in your first year, join a sorority or fraternity, clubs, yoga, the newspaper etc. Just as there are fun times, there are also long study nights. Were all here for one purpose, and that’s to get an education, don’t let one silly mistake ruin you.

Sincerely , 

Itamar Hernandez