Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Starting your freshman year in college right

 Dear freshman,

         As my first year of college ends, you are preparing to begin your new journey as a college freshman. When I began my first year at Cal State LA I was lost and didn't know what to expect. It is a huge difference, from high school to college. Even after going to freshman orientation I was lost and confused, on the very first day I had no idea where to go. Viewing my freshman experiences I wish I could have met the friends I have now during my first quarter. I would also want to know where the advisement location was located. Now that I know where it is located it is a great help, because my adviser helps me keep up with what classes I must take for my major. Knowing I was a college freshman made me feel nervous, anxious, and scared, but it is normal to feel that way because most freshmen experience it.  Like most students it is also normal for you to go through obstacles, sweat, tears and doubts. It important that you don’t let the obstacles get to you, but best thing to do is keep moving forward and don’t give up on your dreams.
            As an incoming freshman I wasn’t aware of the programs that CSULA offered freshmen to help them out. During my first quarter I experienced not being able to register for classes because of financial aid issues, I wasn’t able to register because financial aid didn’t cover for my tuition so I missed my registration date. I was determined to give up, I went to the math department and thankfully they were able to register in a math class. During my second quarter as a freshman I found out about the First Year Experience program (FYE). The program was a great help throughout my first year. The program is designed to help freshmen students out, FYE helped me have reserved registration to get classes I needed, and it also helped me meet many new people by attending the discussion groups. The discussion groups helped me know many information about upcoming events on campus and information about my major, financial aid, and admission.
The program made me feel proud for attending college; in the beginning I was embarrassed to say I was remedial in both English and math. As time went by I was actually proud of myself, because nothing is wrong with being remedial student. Just because I was remedial didn’t mean I was “dumb” or “slow” as many people define it. If you are placed in remedial you should be proud of yourself for attending a four year university. Remedial classes actually help students become prepared, because some high schools don’t really prepare you. It is important to pass your remedial classes your first year or else you may be dropped from the school, don’t stress to much nothing is ever impossible!
College isn’t always the way it is shown in movies and TV shows, it isn’t about parties and always being with friends and not doing work. In order to succeed in college you have to keep up with school and maintain good grades. It is also very important to study for every class and most importantly not to procrastinate. Throughout my first year of college I experienced tough times and many obstacles that were hard to overcome, but I did it. I believe in all freshmen, you can get through the toughest times and you can graduate within 4-5 years.
To conclude this letter I would like to give you advice, my advice to you would be to join as many clubs as you can and get involved with school. I would also advise you to join the FYE program because they will help your first year become easier. My last advice would be to never give up, even if you think you can’t do it pick yourself up and do what you have to do. I wish you nothing but the best. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Stacey Moreno

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