Dear Golden Eagle
Freshman,
I do not want to lie to you and tell you that college is about having fun because the reality is that college is about facing struggles. Sadly, college is not like the movies and you will have to learn to stay optimistic in the most difficult times of your life. You are going to meet people that are going to put you down. You will make decisions that you will regret and you will feel like if it’s the end of the world. You will cry in front of your homework thinking that you should give up, but you won’t do it. You will take exams and freak out if you end up getting the wrong answer. You will have to wake up early in the morning in the registration days to be able to get classes. You will start looking for a job and stressed out about ways to pay for college. I know all these things sound scary, but stop feeling overwhelmed because you are not going to face all those situations by yourself.
Now this is your moment to explore and face the real world where you can no longer hide from problems. What can you do to survive? The number one rule is to believe in yourself and trust your skills. Second rule would be to look for help if you are struggling in your courses or personal life. Where is that help? I found it in the First Year Experience (FYE) program where I met people that helped me to choose my courses and gave me information about things that I did not know about college. Last rule is to take pictures so when you make it through your first year you look back and laugh at all the things you did.
One of the hardest thing as a freshman is to doubt whether or not you belong in college. When I first started college, I was placed in remedial courses; can you imagine how I felt? Yes, that’s right I felt ashamed, disappointed, and dumb. For remedial English, there is nothing you can do if you do not want to take the class. I have to admit I am thankful I was placed in remedial English because I learned to feel confident about my writing, to revise my essays, and even to love writing. I was also placed in remedial Math 90 & 91, but before I started college I was browsing in the CSULA website and I found out that there was a way to skip those classes. I took the Exit Exam for Math 90 & 91 at the University Testing Center, and luckily I passed them. If you are in remedial Math take the chance to take the Exit Exam, what could be the worst thing to happen if you don’t pass? The Answer is nothing; remember it’s time to take risks.
My first connection to the school was when I went to the EOP orientation. Something good about the EOP is that once you are in it, you stay in the program until you graduate. However, in your first year, they make you attend to 3 events every quarter. At first I thought “Ugh why are they making do this?” Well participating in events you get to meet people and learn about clubs that you might be interesting to join. In addition, if for some reason you do badly in your classes and the school kick you out, the EOP can bring you back. Another good thing is that they offer grants to students if they do not have enough money to pay for school. Also, thanks to the EOP I heard about the FYE where I met amazing people.
In the FYE, I learned plenty of things that I did not know about college. The benefits of the FYE are that they reserve a spot for some of your classes and they offer a workshop where you can learn things that you did not know about college. Some things that I wish I knew before I started college were: how to sign up for classes, where did I had to pay my tuition, where to check my financial aid status, where did I had to go to check if the school received my grades for my AP classes, and what were the benefits of the Health Center. I remember I was going crazy because I did not know who to ask and I had to wait until my fall quarter to have an answer to my questions. I recommend you to go to the FYE if you have questions or go to the EOP. I know right now you might do not have idea about the things I am talking about, but you will find the answers.
Something that it’s important to keep in mind is that college is not only about having good grades. Take the time to explore the campus by yourself and if it’s necessary go to every office to ask about their services. Remember that it’s important to know the campus because it’s going to become your second home. One more thing, try to participate in internships and volunteer in different fields, so you can have an idea of the ideal major. I advise you to do not choose a major for money because you might not be happy with your decision.
I am not going to tell you to “not give up,” instead I want to ask you for a favor. Please make a difference in the community by finishing a career in any field that you want. Our society needs heroes and role models for the future generations. I am sure you are one of them.
Welcome to CSULA
Sincerely,
A person who believes in your potential
I do not want to lie to you and tell you that college is about having fun because the reality is that college is about facing struggles. Sadly, college is not like the movies and you will have to learn to stay optimistic in the most difficult times of your life. You are going to meet people that are going to put you down. You will make decisions that you will regret and you will feel like if it’s the end of the world. You will cry in front of your homework thinking that you should give up, but you won’t do it. You will take exams and freak out if you end up getting the wrong answer. You will have to wake up early in the morning in the registration days to be able to get classes. You will start looking for a job and stressed out about ways to pay for college. I know all these things sound scary, but stop feeling overwhelmed because you are not going to face all those situations by yourself.
Now this is your moment to explore and face the real world where you can no longer hide from problems. What can you do to survive? The number one rule is to believe in yourself and trust your skills. Second rule would be to look for help if you are struggling in your courses or personal life. Where is that help? I found it in the First Year Experience (FYE) program where I met people that helped me to choose my courses and gave me information about things that I did not know about college. Last rule is to take pictures so when you make it through your first year you look back and laugh at all the things you did.
One of the hardest thing as a freshman is to doubt whether or not you belong in college. When I first started college, I was placed in remedial courses; can you imagine how I felt? Yes, that’s right I felt ashamed, disappointed, and dumb. For remedial English, there is nothing you can do if you do not want to take the class. I have to admit I am thankful I was placed in remedial English because I learned to feel confident about my writing, to revise my essays, and even to love writing. I was also placed in remedial Math 90 & 91, but before I started college I was browsing in the CSULA website and I found out that there was a way to skip those classes. I took the Exit Exam for Math 90 & 91 at the University Testing Center, and luckily I passed them. If you are in remedial Math take the chance to take the Exit Exam, what could be the worst thing to happen if you don’t pass? The Answer is nothing; remember it’s time to take risks.
My first connection to the school was when I went to the EOP orientation. Something good about the EOP is that once you are in it, you stay in the program until you graduate. However, in your first year, they make you attend to 3 events every quarter. At first I thought “Ugh why are they making do this?” Well participating in events you get to meet people and learn about clubs that you might be interesting to join. In addition, if for some reason you do badly in your classes and the school kick you out, the EOP can bring you back. Another good thing is that they offer grants to students if they do not have enough money to pay for school. Also, thanks to the EOP I heard about the FYE where I met amazing people.
In the FYE, I learned plenty of things that I did not know about college. The benefits of the FYE are that they reserve a spot for some of your classes and they offer a workshop where you can learn things that you did not know about college. Some things that I wish I knew before I started college were: how to sign up for classes, where did I had to pay my tuition, where to check my financial aid status, where did I had to go to check if the school received my grades for my AP classes, and what were the benefits of the Health Center. I remember I was going crazy because I did not know who to ask and I had to wait until my fall quarter to have an answer to my questions. I recommend you to go to the FYE if you have questions or go to the EOP. I know right now you might do not have idea about the things I am talking about, but you will find the answers.
Something that it’s important to keep in mind is that college is not only about having good grades. Take the time to explore the campus by yourself and if it’s necessary go to every office to ask about their services. Remember that it’s important to know the campus because it’s going to become your second home. One more thing, try to participate in internships and volunteer in different fields, so you can have an idea of the ideal major. I advise you to do not choose a major for money because you might not be happy with your decision.
I am not going to tell you to “not give up,” instead I want to ask you for a favor. Please make a difference in the community by finishing a career in any field that you want. Our society needs heroes and role models for the future generations. I am sure you are one of them.
Welcome to CSULA
Sincerely,
A person who believes in your potential
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