My name is Nelly and I have been studying in UC Santa Cruz for almost two months. The transition to college has been really challenging. But because I have the opportunity to be a member of the Bridge Program through EOP the transition has being more easier. Through the Bridge Program I have a mentor with whom I check in every week about my academics and anything else that I may need help with. The Bridge Program helped me with the transition to college, because I had the opportunity to move in a week earlier. During that week we had an intensive writing class in where we had the opportunity to see what was ahead of us. The mentors and staff gave us advice about midterms, clubs, and other topics. This program has been really helpful, because I’ve learned how to manage my time in school.
Being away from my family has not been easy because I’ve always been close to home. I was really homesick during the first weeks. My friends really helped me out by being there for me every time they would see me upset. My roommate and I have a really good relationship and we have kept each other motivated throughout this journey. Now that I am away from them I come to realize that being far away may be one of the toughest things in college.
Academics are really challenging but I was expecting that to come my way. The Bridge Program has provided me with tutoring for my classes which have helped understand my classes and the main concepts. Coming to a big school I thought it was going to be difficult to interact with my teachers, but I was wrong. I have a class of 300 students which is named Latin American and Latino Studies the professor is so engaged with its students. He always tells us to strive for a better future, and to reach our full potential. It may be a big class, but I honestly do not feel like a number. I feel like the teachers do care about every student.
My high school did not exactly prepare me for the “college” life, but I know it prepared me more than other schools would have. I have made the library my second home I stay in the library until I am able to finish my homework. I think what has helped me out trough out the transition has been the strong support system outside and inside of school. The strong support system that I have has motivated me to do better academically.
I know nothing is perfect in life, so why question the difficulty of college? I trust myself to give my full potential in school, and hopefully obtain good grades. Thank you EdFund for giving me the opportunity to experience the college life. I promise I won’t disappoint you.
- Nelly, UC Santa Cruz '15
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Transitioning to Cal
My transition into college has been very interesting. Coming into UC Berkeley, I did not expect things to be easy. However, regardless of me thinking I was mentally prepared enough, I was not; it was a big culture shock. I was no longer around the people I had been used to my whole life. At first, everyone around me seemed to be so much better-prepared than me. And for the first time in my life, none of my teachers had ever heard of me, knew my name, or had any expectations for me. I kind of felt lost in such a big campus. However, I was able to eventually get accustomed to the new environment, learn to meet my teachers and ask for help during office hours, and learned to use my resources on campus like the student learning center and tutors.
I had spent my summer preparing for my first semester by attending CalSO which was my orientation, looking online, and calling people for advice on which courses to take. This was somewhat stressful, but eventually I got it done, and ended up with a schedule that I really enjoy. However, I think my biggest challenge was when midterm time came. That is where I felt the greatest change, and when I realized that I was going to have to change certain habits if I wanted to be successful. After receiving my midterm grades, I was happy that I passed, but I was not satisfied enough. That is when I began a great adjustment period; I had to think and learn where I studied best, where I was the most productive, and at what times. Therefore, although I did not start school performing as great as I did on my first set of midterms, the important thing is that I was not discouraged by this and created a plan for myself to be more successful.
However, not everything is as bad as it might sound. Although it is a challenge, I enjoy it. It has already pushed me into doing great things. For example, I am currently doing ethnographic research for my College Writing and Research class.
Also, I applied to, interviewed for, and was accepted into a wonderful program at UC Berkeley called the Biology Scholars Program. Through this program, I have been also been able to find great support and guidance. Now, I am just looking forward to improving myself in my upcoming midterms, continue doing research, learn more, and meet even more amazing and inspiring people.
- Fabiola, UC Berkeley '15
I had spent my summer preparing for my first semester by attending CalSO which was my orientation, looking online, and calling people for advice on which courses to take. This was somewhat stressful, but eventually I got it done, and ended up with a schedule that I really enjoy. However, I think my biggest challenge was when midterm time came. That is where I felt the greatest change, and when I realized that I was going to have to change certain habits if I wanted to be successful. After receiving my midterm grades, I was happy that I passed, but I was not satisfied enough. That is when I began a great adjustment period; I had to think and learn where I studied best, where I was the most productive, and at what times. Therefore, although I did not start school performing as great as I did on my first set of midterms, the important thing is that I was not discouraged by this and created a plan for myself to be more successful.
However, not everything is as bad as it might sound. Although it is a challenge, I enjoy it. It has already pushed me into doing great things. For example, I am currently doing ethnographic research for my College Writing and Research class.
Also, I applied to, interviewed for, and was accepted into a wonderful program at UC Berkeley called the Biology Scholars Program. Through this program, I have been also been able to find great support and guidance. Now, I am just looking forward to improving myself in my upcoming midterms, continue doing research, learn more, and meet even more amazing and inspiring people.
- Fabiola, UC Berkeley '15
My First Semester at UC Berkeley
I didn’t believe people when they said, “Don’t worry, time will go by quickly.” I look at how quickly it has gone by and can’t believe there’s less than two months before I finish my first semester at UC Berkeley.
I remember attending my first lecture on Friday, August 26 at 8 AM. Compared to the classrooms in high school these classrooms are humungous. There were no longer desk rows of five; now there are rows of 10 or more. I am satisfied with my schedule since I am done with classes before 1 every day. Compared to high school we spend fewer hours in class, as a result there is plenty of free time. I soon realized after the first week of class that free time was supposed to be spent studying, going to tutoring and visiting professors during office hours. There are some days when I spend the whole day at the Student Learning Center getting math tutoring. Asking for help, going to tutoring and office hours have become a routine.
My roommate Lizbeth and I are lucky to live in Unit 3, which is the closest dorm to the south side of campus, where many of my classes are. Out of our 36 floormates only 3 of us are Latino. I felt culture shock since most students at Richmond High School are of the same ethnicity as me. When I first moved in I was afraid that the restrooms would get dirty very quickly since they’re co-ed, but our floormates are very hygienic. Our floor is very social in that we all get along very easily. We help each other out in many ways, from assisting with homework to sewing someone’s jeans. I have made many friendships which I know will continue to support me throughout my time here.
- Maria, UC Berkeley '15
I remember attending my first lecture on Friday, August 26 at 8 AM. Compared to the classrooms in high school these classrooms are humungous. There were no longer desk rows of five; now there are rows of 10 or more. I am satisfied with my schedule since I am done with classes before 1 every day. Compared to high school we spend fewer hours in class, as a result there is plenty of free time. I soon realized after the first week of class that free time was supposed to be spent studying, going to tutoring and visiting professors during office hours. There are some days when I spend the whole day at the Student Learning Center getting math tutoring. Asking for help, going to tutoring and office hours have become a routine.
My roommate Lizbeth and I are lucky to live in Unit 3, which is the closest dorm to the south side of campus, where many of my classes are. Out of our 36 floormates only 3 of us are Latino. I felt culture shock since most students at Richmond High School are of the same ethnicity as me. When I first moved in I was afraid that the restrooms would get dirty very quickly since they’re co-ed, but our floormates are very hygienic. Our floor is very social in that we all get along very easily. We help each other out in many ways, from assisting with homework to sewing someone’s jeans. I have made many friendships which I know will continue to support me throughout my time here.
- Maria, UC Berkeley '15
Transitioning to San Luis Obispo
I am Lisa, a 2011 alumni of El Cerrito High School. I am currently studying for my Bachelor's degree for Computer Engineering at California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. After a few weeks of being here at Cal Poly, my nervousness has gone away by now. My transition to this college was fairly smooth. During the summer, I attended a summer program called the Summer Institute, or known as SI for short. SI was a six unit, three week course that involved in a lot of bonding activities. Everyone was low-income, we had similar classes together, and I might have even found a new best friend! These three weeks passed by so quickly and I had a blast. I was able to grasp that studying is important, but not without having fun.
Just when I thought SI allowed me to become ready once fall quarter starts, there was also the Week of Welcome, or known as WOW, for first year and transfer students. While SI was academic based, WOW was just pure abundance of fun and laughter. WOW showed me that I can have fun without drinking. We went indoor rock climbing, kayaking, and even to the beach; we saw presentations about diversity, alcohol, and being responsible is important. This was week amazing because everyone in the group lost their "cool card" by the end of the week and we got close to each other.
With this SI and Week of Welcome in mind, I was able to hit the ground running, knowing that I can study and have fun at the same time. So far, as of September 28, 2011, my first two weeks of the fall quarter has been treating me fairly well. I am currently taking fifteen units and my classes are Calculus III (4 units), English (4 units), Introduction to Computing (4 units), Computer Engineering Orientation (1 unit), First Year Seminar (1 Unit), and a Calculus III Workshop (1 unit). I still believe that I have some adjusting to do in terms of sleeping, studying and determining what I should give priority for, such academic programs and clubs but I believe that I have what it takes for Fall 2011.
- Lisa, Cal Poly SLO '15
Just when I thought SI allowed me to become ready once fall quarter starts, there was also the Week of Welcome, or known as WOW, for first year and transfer students. While SI was academic based, WOW was just pure abundance of fun and laughter. WOW showed me that I can have fun without drinking. We went indoor rock climbing, kayaking, and even to the beach; we saw presentations about diversity, alcohol, and being responsible is important. This was week amazing because everyone in the group lost their "cool card" by the end of the week and we got close to each other.
With this SI and Week of Welcome in mind, I was able to hit the ground running, knowing that I can study and have fun at the same time. So far, as of September 28, 2011, my first two weeks of the fall quarter has been treating me fairly well. I am currently taking fifteen units and my classes are Calculus III (4 units), English (4 units), Introduction to Computing (4 units), Computer Engineering Orientation (1 unit), First Year Seminar (1 Unit), and a Calculus III Workshop (1 unit). I still believe that I have some adjusting to do in terms of sleeping, studying and determining what I should give priority for, such academic programs and clubs but I believe that I have what it takes for Fall 2011.
- Lisa, Cal Poly SLO '15
First Year at Santa Cruz
My transition to college was pretty difficult. It almost seemed or it still seems like I am the only one struggling with how the college system works, the way we sign up for classes and the flexible schedule but I know I’m not the only one. Being the only daughter in my family to strive for higher education while the rest of my siblings are working just so we can stay as a family financially stable is very difficult especially when you know that you are miles and miles away from them and there is nothing you can do for them. The reason why I chose to go to college was because of my family, because I want to help them and get a career so they do not have to worry about financial needs anymore. I always remind myself why I wanted to be in college and it makes me so much stronger knowing I will be helping my family in the long run.
This summer I prepared to move out. When I was younger, I always wanted to move away for college and that was the only thing I can think of. Until the summer before college started, was when it actually hit me that I won’t be at home to help with anything besides doing well in school for them. Leaving my parents, my first niece and my grandpa who is really sick is what saddened me the most. Spending time with my family as much as I can before leaving to college is what I did over the summer. Although I am closer to home than the rest of my peers and floor mates, no one will ever understand my difficulty of leaving home.
This quarter at Santa Cruz, I am looking forward to getting closer to my Resident Assistant and my floor mates. I am hoping that I will be able to balance school especially when you have to study double the amount alone with my fellowship, family and clubs. I hope I can maintain the work load and be able do and finish my work in time and not last time. I hope I can get used to being independent.
- Stacy, UC Santa Cruz '15
This summer I prepared to move out. When I was younger, I always wanted to move away for college and that was the only thing I can think of. Until the summer before college started, was when it actually hit me that I won’t be at home to help with anything besides doing well in school for them. Leaving my parents, my first niece and my grandpa who is really sick is what saddened me the most. Spending time with my family as much as I can before leaving to college is what I did over the summer. Although I am closer to home than the rest of my peers and floor mates, no one will ever understand my difficulty of leaving home.
This quarter at Santa Cruz, I am looking forward to getting closer to my Resident Assistant and my floor mates. I am hoping that I will be able to balance school especially when you have to study double the amount alone with my fellowship, family and clubs. I hope I can maintain the work load and be able do and finish my work in time and not last time. I hope I can get used to being independent.
- Stacy, UC Santa Cruz '15
Moving to Los Angeles
My name is Michelle, and I'm from Richmond, CA. I recently began my first year at UCLA. Although I haven't yet declared a major, I find a strong interest in the social sciences, particularly political science. Although this past summer was the longest I've ever experienced, time seemed to go by quickly as I stayed busy spending time with family and friends, working and preparing for college. Preparing to move hundreds of miles away, I wanted to make sure to secure my familial and social relationships and have much fun as I possibly could before entering college. During the days I would work at the local swimming pool as a lifeguard and swim instructor in order to save money for school, and at night I made sure to have family dinner. I also spent a lot of my summer making lists: lists of things I needed to purchase or pack, books to read, forms to fill out for UCLA and scholarships, etc. Getting into school was the easy part, being ready was a lot more difficult.
- Michelle, UCLA '15
- Michelle, UCLA '15
First Semester at SF State
My transition to college has not been as hard as for many other college freshmen. I believe that my transition to college has not been that hard because during the summer I attend to a program called the Engineering Institute in San Francisco State University. I met many students currently enrolled in San Francisco State, I kept in touch with them through out the rest of the summer and when I started school, they were there to help me for any question I had. Academically I feel that Calculus is a really difficult subject although I am struggling, I am going to tutoring sections so I can understand all the concepts. I believe that engineering is one of the hardest careers in college because a lot of math and science is require, but I feel confidant that I will do an okay job. I joined SHPE an organization for engineers and they provided a lot of help for students. I also joined MESA and they tutor me and help me find connections to other organizations within the campus.
College is a totally different world and I think that time management is one of the challenges I am facing because there are a million of things that I want to do, but I can’t. I also met a lot of people in San Francisco State, they have been helping in certain thins that I don’t understand. Another challenge that I am facing is the comminuting all the way from Richmond to Daly City. It takes a while to get to the University, but it also provides me time to do my readings and do homework. I feel confident that I will surpass all this challenges in my new college life.
- Jose, SFSU '15
College is a totally different world and I think that time management is one of the challenges I am facing because there are a million of things that I want to do, but I can’t. I also met a lot of people in San Francisco State, they have been helping in certain thins that I don’t understand. Another challenge that I am facing is the comminuting all the way from Richmond to Daly City. It takes a while to get to the University, but it also provides me time to do my readings and do homework. I feel confident that I will surpass all this challenges in my new college life.
- Jose, SFSU '15
Looking Forward to SJSU
During the summer to prepare for college, I attended my orientation which is where I had the opportunity to register for my classes, familiarize myself with San Jose State and my freshmen class. Before the summer orientation, I was nervous and excited about starting college in the fall. During my orientation, I had the opportunity to meet the faculty, staff, upperclassmen, freshmen and experienced a tour of the whole campus. I gained knowledge about the wonderful services that the school’s programs provide such as EOP. EOP provides tutoring services, advising, volunteer opportunities, and many more.
After attending orientation, I felt more than prepared to begin my college education at San Jose State and also motivated to get involved with the campus community. This semester I am looking forward to meeting new people and create lifelong friendships. I'd like to make friends who will support me not only in college, but in my life following graduation.
I am looking forward to pushing myself to earn the best grades possible because in high school I settled for only passing my classes. I now have a second chance to earn excellent grades in school. I am looking forward to getting actively involved with my school, and I’m debating whether or not I should join a fraternity. I definitely want to volunteer as much as I can with student organizations. From orientation, I was told that EOP provides countless volunteering opportunities for its students so I’m definitely going to look into that more as the semester progresses.
- Edgar, SJSU '15
After attending orientation, I felt more than prepared to begin my college education at San Jose State and also motivated to get involved with the campus community. This semester I am looking forward to meeting new people and create lifelong friendships. I'd like to make friends who will support me not only in college, but in my life following graduation.
I am looking forward to pushing myself to earn the best grades possible because in high school I settled for only passing my classes. I now have a second chance to earn excellent grades in school. I am looking forward to getting actively involved with my school, and I’m debating whether or not I should join a fraternity. I definitely want to volunteer as much as I can with student organizations. From orientation, I was told that EOP provides countless volunteering opportunities for its students so I’m definitely going to look into that more as the semester progresses.
- Edgar, SJSU '15
Transitioning to San Jose State
Transitioning to college has made me realize how a person starts becoming independent. I am now two months into college, living on campus and realizing that a new transition to a new environment can be very challenging.
At first when I started to get settled in it was a week before school started. All I focused on during that week was meeting new people and trying to figure out what kind of paperwork I needed to turn in regarding my remedial classes. As a remedial student and part of the EOP program I am required to attend tutoring for 90 minutes per remedial class. I am currently taking two remedial classes which are English and Math. I was a bit ashamed at first because “remedial” to me sounds like someone that doesn’t know or understands a concept. However, I noticed that the majority of freshman students here at San José State take remedial classes. I did not feel alone or ashamed once I started taking the courses.
The first week of school began, and right away when I entered I knew that the teacher meant business. The very first day we only went through the syllabus or what they call the green sheet, and I started to notice that everything was going to be fast-paced. This made me realize that college is nothing compared to high school. After the first week is when I started to feel the pressure. Essays were due the next day of class as well as any other homework that was given. As of today, I have been through two midterms and they were intense. I put all my hard work and I studied numerous hours and felt pretty confident on some of the midterms.
Overall, I am still getting adjusted to the face-paced life of college. I have learned how to value my time because it goes by very quickly when I am studying. College by far has been a great experience I have learned valuable multi-tasking and time-management skills.
- Alejandra, SJSU '15
At first when I started to get settled in it was a week before school started. All I focused on during that week was meeting new people and trying to figure out what kind of paperwork I needed to turn in regarding my remedial classes. As a remedial student and part of the EOP program I am required to attend tutoring for 90 minutes per remedial class. I am currently taking two remedial classes which are English and Math. I was a bit ashamed at first because “remedial” to me sounds like someone that doesn’t know or understands a concept. However, I noticed that the majority of freshman students here at San José State take remedial classes. I did not feel alone or ashamed once I started taking the courses.
The first week of school began, and right away when I entered I knew that the teacher meant business. The very first day we only went through the syllabus or what they call the green sheet, and I started to notice that everything was going to be fast-paced. This made me realize that college is nothing compared to high school. After the first week is when I started to feel the pressure. Essays were due the next day of class as well as any other homework that was given. As of today, I have been through two midterms and they were intense. I put all my hard work and I studied numerous hours and felt pretty confident on some of the midterms.
Overall, I am still getting adjusted to the face-paced life of college. I have learned how to value my time because it goes by very quickly when I am studying. College by far has been a great experience I have learned valuable multi-tasking and time-management skills.
- Alejandra, SJSU '15
Monday, October 17, 2011
Adjusting to SFSU
It still has not hit me that I am in college now. I feel like I'm at a bigger high school in a way. Getting use to the campus was not an issue due the fact that I spent two weeks of my summer there for an engineering program. I'm glad that I attended SFSU instead of UC Davis because living at home is a lifesaver; I get to eat and live for free. Who wouldn't want that?! Besides, after eating the campus food for two weeks, I knew I would not be able to tolerate living there for a semester. I began majoring in mechanical engineering but after questioning my interest I figured that electrical engineering was the best choice for me.
I am beginning to travel down a new path and leave my past behind. Some of my friendships have ended without me even realizing it because everyone, including myself is going their separate way in life. I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed with the number of classes I have to take. For times like this I would turn to my friends and it is very difficult to do so in a letter.
All my classes are simple except engineering graphics in which I don't even need anymore. AutoCAD is brutal but I'm getting the hang of it. Other than that everything else concerning my classes is fine. I have decided to take summer classes at the local junior college so I won't be a semester behind in science. The late night homework sessions are extremely stressful. Caffeine has become my best friend.
- Ashley, SFSU '15
I am beginning to travel down a new path and leave my past behind. Some of my friendships have ended without me even realizing it because everyone, including myself is going their separate way in life. I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed with the number of classes I have to take. For times like this I would turn to my friends and it is very difficult to do so in a letter.
All my classes are simple except engineering graphics in which I don't even need anymore. AutoCAD is brutal but I'm getting the hang of it. Other than that everything else concerning my classes is fine. I have decided to take summer classes at the local junior college so I won't be a semester behind in science. The late night homework sessions are extremely stressful. Caffeine has become my best friend.
- Ashley, SFSU '15
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