Every year, hundreds of freshmen come to Ferris with all kinds of different expectations for their college careers.
Some come in intending to focus solely on their education. Others come expecting college to be a time of making memories and having fun. Most are somewhere in between.
It is the start of a new adventure and an exciting, yet daunting time in the lives of so many young people each year.
Students are thrown into an environment that’s often vastly different from what they’ve ever known, which can be anxiety-inducing for many.
Kavaris Sims, associate dean of student life, shared his thoughts on what it’s like leaving home and arriving as a freshman at a place so unfamiliar.
“I think it’s very difficult for young adults to realize that the world is much bigger than they understood it to be,” Sims said. “You’ve been in this box and you get here and realize that people have different ways of life, and people handle situations differently.”
Because so many students are so nervous about being somewhere new, it’s common to keep to themselves and avoid being involved in life on campus.
Ferris President Bill Pink explained the correlation between student involvement in organizations and activities and being successful in college.
“We find that when students are involved in more than just class and have other things that they are engaged in while in college, they tend to be more successful because they don’t get so bogged down in just the work,” Pink said.
Pink stressed the importance of getting involved on campus in activities, RSOs and campus jobs as well.
Similarly, Deirdre Fagan, assistant department chair, creative writing and literature in-person coordinator and professor expressed her belief in getting involved.
“Freshmen should prioritize getting to know other students, the campus, their professors and the resources that are available to help them succeed,” Fagan said. “Being part of a community and having support will provide a sense of belonging that will help you to achieve your goals.”
Several faculty members have spoken on the importance of utilizing the resources Ferris has to offer, ranging from help from professors to mental health resources.
Faculty members also try to express encouragement for freshmen students who are feeling unsure or afraid of what their first year of college is going to look like.
“Be open to new experiences. Discover new people and places. Say hello. Turn and talk to the person next to you. Be yourself,” Fagan said. “College is a place to find your people. Those people will help you become more and more of who you are or want to be.”
Many of the professors and other faculty at Ferris have an abundance of advice to share in hopes of helping ease the worry that new students so often feel.
Sims offered additional words of encouragement to share with incoming freshmen.
“You don’t have to know everything. College is a very new and challenging environment and asking for help is part of the program,” Sims said. “You’re smarter and more prepared than you think you are, and it’s important just to know that you belong here.”
College is a time when many students find themselves facing discomfort for various reasons. Leaving home can be scary for a lot of students, especially if they’ve never done it before.
Additionally, many people struggle with learning how to navigate a new environment filled with people, ideas and beliefs that they have not encountered before.
Lina Blair, dean of student life, discussed how places out of a person’s comfort zone can propel them to discover who they are.
“My biggest piece of advice is for students to try things that take them out of their comfort zone, hopefully with the goal of being their most authentic, true selves,” Blair said.
Much like other faculty members, Blair also suggested that it is crucial for students to know the resources available to them.
“A mistake I see a lot of freshmen make is not asking for help when they need it because they don’t want to disrupt someone like a staff member,” Blair said. “They think other students might need the help more, or they’re too embarrassed or shy.”
Pink’s final words of encouragement focus on the necessity of building a schedule that works for each person’s needs.
“Freshmen should really prioritize getting acclimated to college,” Pink said. “Figure out what times you’re going to study, what times you’re going to get out and do something fun and make sure to develop what the routine looks like. That’s going to help them be successful.”
Ferris is filled with resources such as the Personal Counseling Center, Birkham Health Center, Disability Services and many student organizations that help students build community.
While college is an intimidating endeavor for many students, there are many resources and people ready to help ensure success.