Three Crucial Tips for College Students in New Student Orientation Programs
For most students, going to college comes with a variety of thoughts and emotions.
Excitement, fear, hope, anxiety, curiousity, and uncertainty are common feelings. Those feelings are often amplified if you’re a first-generation college student or just haven’t been exposed to college and what it takes to succeed.
Imagine being a first-gen student moving away from your hometown for college as a teen mom. Excited but also very afraid.
Now imagine, that in the 25 years since, that same student:
- had graduated magna cum laude in 4 years (then earned an MBA with honors)
- was named Miss University of Memphis
- had a corporate career including with the NBA and FedEx
- became a published author, entrepreneur, and international speaker
- named Outstanding Young Alumna and received the Distinguished Alumni Award
- selected as the youngest and only third Black president of the university’s national alumni association board of directors
- hosted the largest awards program of the university (Distinguished Alumni Awards)
That student was me.
The scared first-gen teen mom in a new city away from all things familiar.
And my journey in college began with my New Student Orientation experience.
My fear and anxiety I felt was lessened, and my excitement and confidence increased. And set myself up for success in college and beyond.
The summer of my sophomore year I became an orientation guide and was determined to help freshmen start their college journey in a way that would help them finish strong. That’s me on the left. Sorry for the blurry picture. I’m just glad to have it. :)
That passion and determination to help students start strong so that they actually finish college but also finish strong with amazing relationships has only been amplified over the years. As a professional college speaker, I now use a lifetime of powerful experiences to help students create a Blueprint for Success – no matter where they come from, what they’ve been through, or what they don’t have.
I have an entire program (keynote, workshop, series) that I deliver for new student orientation programs or welcome week, but here are three crucial tips students can take that will make a huge difference.
Three Tips for Students in New Student Orientation Programs
- Recognize your resources – Now more than ever before, colleges and universities have resources to support students in nearly every way imaginable. From choosing your major and your classes to getting food and counseling, someone will help you figure it out. So recognize your resources and USE them.
- Get involved immediately – On most college campuses, there are lots of registered student organizations. Find at least one and start attending their events. Even join a committee. But don’t wait until you’re comfortable. Step out and do it right away. It will actually help you get comfortable because you’ll meet people, students and staff, and get more connected to your new environment faster.
- Believe in yourself – Yes, it is new. Yes, it might be scary, and it might be hard. But you can do it. Whenever you have challenges or doubts, never doubt your ability to figure it out.
As students prepare to start their exciting and scary new journeys in college, I’d love to support them and new student orientation programs. Let’s talk about how I can help!
