My freshman year was not very memorable at all. I was not aware of the many services offered at my University, and my Academic Advisor did'nt advise me one bit. However I learned early on that that is why they give you an undergrad cataloge...everything you need is between those covers. I also experienced a lot of personal problems my first year. I did not know who to talk to and was not aware that there are services available...they will contact your professors for you and work with you so you come out on top. We have a mentorship program here...but for some reason, my mentor never met me. I tried and tried to contact the center, but with no luck.
Since my freshman year, I have learned that there are people here that want you to make it and are very willing to help you in any way if you just reach out to them. As far as the mentorship program...I just reached out to women who had graduated or were graduating that year. These women showed me some the ropes of college life, and we developed real friendships.
I now return the deed to some other freshmen. It's hard moving into a new environment. I just simply invite them to eat with me or call me or visit. I don't want any the young black people here to feel lost or alone. I just hope that I can make a first year students' experience here a little better than mine.
Dee
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