Many students focus on success. when entering the academic world as an adult for the first time. One should take a closer look at the social skills required by many employers. Many students attend classes and take part merely as passive listeners. Introverts may be especially susceptible to this.
Programs on campus are designed to help students overcome these obstacles. First Year Experience is one particular program that focuses directly on campus freshmen. Participants should expect to gain benefits that can be applied throughout life.
Campus residents have a real advantage because FYE is convenient. It advocates such events as Move-in Day, Preview ETSU, Early Semester Progress Reports, weekly programs and activities, and leadership opportunities.
Weekly programs and activities are a main focus of FYE. Every Monday at 7 p.m. freshmen are invited to the lobby of Lucille Clement. Refreshments and activities are provided to students by the Department of Housing and Residence Life.
“While other programs on campus focus on the student body as a whole, this is designed specifically for first year residents,” said Jess Helton, area coordinator. “Other programs are for one and all. This is an opportunity to learn and meet new people.”
Tara Gonzales and Lynnsey Hill are in charge of coordinating the activities. They try to plan programs that are both insightful and fun for attendees.
Education is a fundamental part of the programs provided because students may not be aware of the many resources available.
“It is important to get involved on campus no matter what it is,” said senior Rebecca Hepner. The students need to get out and meet people because it is so hard to be away from home for the first time, and start all over again.”
Some weekly themes include ‘The Newly Roommate Game’. It enables freshmen to evaluate in a fun way just how well they know their new ‘roomy’.
FYE has developed a schedule of events for this semester, and if students would like to learn more about those they should stop by the Department of Housing and Residence Life in Burgin Dossett Hall or e-mail Helton at helton@etsu.edu, Gonzales at ztlg17@imail.etsu.edu or Hill at lynnseyhill@hotmail.com.

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