Another challenge first-generation students encounter is a part of their social life and the development of social skills. These students do not quite understand life on campus and feel that they do not have much in common with their more privileged peers. First-generation students view college differently than the other students attending college. They consider college as a serious responsibility and the only way to get a high-paying job. First-generation students tend to slip through the cracks at large institutions because they do not have social support or simply the knowledge of how a university may operate. They are much less likely to contest a professor’s grade or reach out for help when it is necessary because they feel anxious. They do not understand the need for networking, accessing campus resources, and the history of the campus. First-generation students have difficulty making or finding a community on campus that fits their personality mostly because they are having trouble finding out who they are. This makes them less likely to socialize with peers and take part in student organizations. There are some first-generation students who choose to live at
Chickering 's Theory of the seven vectors of student development emerged from research in the 1950’s and 1960’s (Evans, Forney , Guido-DiBrito, Patton, & Renn, 2010). Since then Chickering and Reisser have revised the vectors and research has been conducted to see how see the vectors apply to different student populations (Evans et al., 2010). To test how relevant the vectors are to today’s college students, I interviewed three female college students, two freshman 18 year olds and a 22 year old senior. Each interview was very different despite being asked the same questions. They revealed that multiple vectors were still applicable to today 's college students.
The first year of college can be very difficult when a student has not planned ahead for a greater chance to succeed. It is often regarded with anticipation and a fear of failing. These feelings can be easily diminished by implementing the right tools that are at the disposal of students. Having the right foundation is crucial and is a key component to a successful first year of college. This will greatly increase the probability that students will return the next year to further pursue a degree in their chosen studies. Some avenues for students to explore are studying before testing for developmental courses, getting to know your staff, learning about different financial sources available, familiarizing
“Higher education has particular practices and academic expectations to become accustomed to, and, for many students, starting university is the first time they have lived away from home, looked after themselves and been faced with so many new people and opportunities” (Maunder 140). This is coming from college graduates who have gone through these adjustments and transitions. The first year of college is crucial because this is when students are being exposed and introduced to living on their own and all of the other factors that accompany solo living. It forces the students to get out more and interact with different people. College for most students, is their first experience away from their parents and it allows them to mature on their
East Stroudsburg University hosted the 2015 Eastern Fall Sectional Special Olympics Sunday, October 5th 2015. Many different events were held at venues throughout East Stroudsburg University’s campus. The Special Olympics was organized by SOPA and campus officials. The purpose of the Special Olympics was to bring together athletes with intellectual disabilities to showcase their talent by participating and competing in their skilled event/event’s.
Desiring to have a better life in future inclines people to focus on their academic career. Schools, exams, busy schedules and a pile of work are quintessential this goal. Therefore, students who want to achieve a better future prefer undergoing hard work instead of engaging in social activities. However, social sides of college do not only occupy a big role, but also has plenty of benefits. Social life in college becoming increasingly essential in today’s world triggered an acceptable consideration: Social parts of college should be considered as equal as the academic parts because of psychological, social reasons and its benefits in terms of future.
First generation college students remains to be a challenge for the community college system as well as the university system (Ward, Seigel, & Davenport, 2012). The challenges extend from their lack of academic study skill practices to their lack of socialization skills (Ward, Seigel & Davenport, 2012).
“Many first-generation college students notice that their classmates are much better prepared for demanding college work than they are. As you make connections with other students in and out of class, you can also call on them for help, feedback, and advice.” (Cushman, 2006, Chapter 4)
With the switch from high school to college, students will be changed for the better or worse. An article titled “Your First Year of College: 25 Strategies and Tips to Help You Survive and Thrive Your Freshman Year and Beyond” written by Randall S. Hansen, a retired professor, explains that college does not need to be complex as most make it out to be. In college, the first week is essential to all students “It is during this time that you make critical decisions that will have an effect on the rest of your life.” (Hansen 1). Many kids drop out of college early due to their participation in the party scene. Students who are dedicated to their education receive the true college experience. Hansen explains that scholars should relax and participate
College life is an exciting time for young adults coming out of high school. The students find themselves with so many new experiences to face; many of these changes, from new found freedom to the unexpected responsibilities, are frequently underestimated by the newly promoted freshman.
Transitioning into higher education presents challenges for all students, whether it’s their age or previous educational history. Numerous individuals are extremely nervous as they are entering into an advanced environment such as higher education. This because college is a new learning environment at a completely different level. However, freshmen find college to be difficult at first because it’s harder for them to adjust. That’s why many universities should have student centers in place to help students. Student centers give students the pathway for flexible learning as it results in being successful in higher education (Baužienė & Vosyliūtė 2015).
For first year students coming straight from high school, college life can either be very exciting or overwhelming depending on how well one prepares for it. Some have the notion that college is fun and is all about partying, while some believe that it is an environment in which they can achieve the ultimate freedom thus escape the stringent rules made by their parents at home. Others look forward to experiencing a different learning environment while being exposed to different cultures and sharing different academic knowledge. Successful assimilation into college life is determined by the student’s capability to transform into the new role of a college student. Numerous students face challenges they have never experienced before which can
Freshman year, the year of many first; the first time living away from home, the first time being away from friends, the first time a student has control of their own learning. Freshman year requires a lot of discipline, but a lot of students do not possess this trait. The factors that contribute to the success of first year college students are social support, comfort within the college environment, self control,responsibiliy and positive self concept.
This essay will examine how social skills and personal attributes help first year university students in the way to academic success. Glogowska, Young and Lockyer (as cited in Richardson, King, Garrett & Wrench, 2012, p.88) noted that many first year students decide to leave university as the consequence of health issue and academic challenges. Concern that academic skills are not enough for students to deal with the problem of transition period and students need more skills and abilities to reach their academic goals.