Advice for incoming students from returning students and FYE
For students starting their first year at Wright, adjusting to college can become difficult with new responsibilities and trying to learn how to manage everything at once.
Maria Trujillo, a returning student, said her first year didn't go exactly as planned. “I struggled a lot academically, had setbacks, questioned myself a lot, and there were times I felt behind compared to everyone else.”
“If I could give incoming freshmen one piece of advice, it would be that it’s okay if your college journey doesn’t look perfect,” Trujillo said. “Growth isn't always a straight line.”
Trujillo advised that students should take advantage of the people and resources available on campus instead of trying to handle problems alone.
“Talk to your professors, advisors, counselors, and use the resources your school offers,” she said. “There were opportunities and support systems I wouldn’t have found if I hadn’t asked questions.”
Balancing school, work, internships, relationships, and life in general can be overwhelming.
She says, “you can’t give 100% to everything all the time. Learning how to prioritize and set boundaries has been one of the biggest lessons for me.”
Sophomore, Yarely Martinez, said the people students surround themselves with can also affect their ability to stay focused.
“I would try to study with my friends who had a completely different schedule than me, so it didn't work out, ” Martinez said. “When it comes to studying either focus and study alone or study with people who don’t distract you.”
Martinez also emphasizes the importance of mental health. “make sure you take care of yourself, you can’t focus or study when you’re hungry, thirsty, tired, or sad,” Martinez said.
“Make sure you get enough sleep, eat enough food, pack snacks, drink enough water, and still enjoy the things you love in moderation,” added Martinez.
Victor Munoz, head of Wright's First Year Experience (FYE) program, said the program is designed to help students adjust to college and connect them with support during their first year.
“It's a program, part of the college, to better support each transition and on boarding of 1st year students as they make that transition from high school or transferring into their college, or returning to college,” Munoz said.
Natalie Morales, a member of the FYE team, said students can use the program as a palace to ask questions and get connected with campus resources.
“Having someone there to kind of guide you, whether it be, ‘I got this email, what does this mean? I’m confused. I don’t know where to go for this or that,’ I think that’s kind of a valuable resource,” Morales said.
The program also provides students with a space to study, attend events and spend time on campus in S-100.
Diana Vasquez, another member of the FYE team, said students should not be afraid to use resources such as the testing center in L-125, writing center and Wellness Center in S-106.
“I feel like there’s so many resources people know about, but they’re too shy to go in,” Vasquez said. “You should get what you’re paying for.”
Munoz said his top advice for new students is to get involved, learn how to use Wright’s online resources and ask questions.
“Don’t be scared to ask,” Munoz said. “Advocate for yourself.”
This story was Co-Written with Gabriella Valentin
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