StudentAug 28, 2018University News
By: Anastasia McClendon ’20, student correspondent

Sage Advice for Incoming Students

Current University of Scranton students have some advice for the members of the incoming class of 2022.
University of Scranton R.A.s offer advice for the incoming members of the University’s class of 2022.
University of Scranton R.A.s offer advice for the incoming members of the University’s class of 2022.

For just over 950 young adults, this fall will mark the beginning of their college experience at The University of Scranton. The new students are stepping into a different chapter of their lives and whether they want to admit it or not, they’re likely nervous or even a little scared.

 

“Align yourself with people in your life who will help you be successful and stay true to yourself”- Jannell Jeffers

Current Residential Assistants (R.A.s) at the University understand just how the students in the class of 2022 feel. At one point, they had the same experience. When rising senior Angela Coen, a double major in women and gender studies and sociology, first arrived at the University, she was shy and nervous.

“I came in as a very introverted person. I was very nervous about meeting people, and more importantly, meeting people that I fit in with and connected with. But gradually, after conversations with my R.A., she was able to facilitate a lot of friendships with the girls on my floor,” Coen said. 

Although the perspective of being a new college student might seem daunting, the University offers many resources so that the students never have to deal with the stress alone.

Rising senior Jannell Jeffers, a biochemistry major, will be entering her third year as an R.A. and has seen how helpful the resources are to students.

“There are so many resources here at the University. We have the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (C.T.L.E.) and they’re able to set you up with a tutor. … Don’t be afraid to take advantage. They’re there to help,” Jeffers said.

Not only are students able to work with a tutor through the CTLE, they also offer help and guidance with academic papers through the Writing Center. The University’s center works with faculty and students to help create an environment that encourages and supports student learning, faculty enrichment, instructional design, and the use of technology, as their webpage says.

The University also has more than 80 active clubs and organizations where students can get involved, meet new people and try new things that they’ve never done before. 

“Have an open mind and appreciate that you’re going to meet people that are like no one you’ve ever met before. Then you’ll be able to understand their uniqueness and their diversity and what they can add to your life,” Thomas DeMarco, a rising senior and double major in criminal justice and psychology, said.

Most of the R.A.s agreed that it is important to explore the new opportunities available, but to also be able to set limits.

“Definitely do get involved, but don’t overwhelm yourself. It’s really important to manage your time coming into college, considering that it’s a new environment and you’re doing a lot of new things,” Carolina Chazez, a sophomore strategic communications major, said.

“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. This is a great community. They want to embrace you, but they can’t if you don’t take the first step. So don’t be afraid to say ‘Hi’ to different people or be too afraid to join that club,” Jeffers said. “Align yourself with people in your life who will help you be successful and stay true to yourself and I think things will line up. At the end of the day, you’ll find your place here.”  

Anastasia McClendon ’20, Chinchilla, is an English major at The University of Scranton.
Anastasia McClendon ’20, Chinchilla, is an English major at The University of Scranton.
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