Tips for incoming freshmen

First in a series: Ask the Expert

Ask the Expert is a series where students can express concerns or questions they have and receive feedback from UTRGV experts. This week’s Ask the Expert topic is advice for incoming freshmen.

The student

Ruben Loza Jr., a biomedical science freshman, said he is “definitely overwhelmed” but eager to start his first semester at UTRGV.

The most difficult transition from high school to college is going to be “learning to be independent,”
Loza said.

In high school, his teachers chased after the students to get assignments done. Now that Loza is in the “real world,” he is concerned about how he will adjust to a different learning environment.

Loza asked how he should manage his time to successfully accomplish being a full-time student while working a job off campus.

He said he is nervous for the first day because he is still not familiar with the Brownsville campus and is worried he won’t be able to find his way.

Although the incoming freshman wants a career in medicine, he is unsure if he chose the right major.

“Am I in the right major?” he asked. “Am I not? Should I pick another major? There are a lot of majors in the medical field, so how do I know which path I should take to be successful?”

Loza said he has a passion for TV and radio and is “very excited to join clubs and organizations” but wants to know what are the best clubs to join.

The UTRGV experts

Learning Framework Professor Jose Saldivar shared some advice for incoming freshmen.

When it comes to being more independent, Saldivar said, “the biggest thing that students take for granted is structure. … In high school, that structure that supported you is gone.”

His advice for students who are feeling overwhelmed is a strategy that he uses in his classroom, where he asks students to list all their roles and responsibilities.

“Think about the things that take up your time,” Saldivar said. “If you’re in a relationship that takes time, if you have a group of friends, your parents, being a son, daughter, brother, sister, that takes time.”

He recommends students choose their No. 1 priority, which is often family for the majority of students.

After they have placed their priorities in order, Saldivar advises students designate time to their studies beyond the time they spend in the classroom.

To avoid being jittery and anxious, Saldivar suggests students relax and remember “everyone is nervous, even your professors” and to “get to class early because nothing adds to your nervousness like getting to class late.”

His advice for students who have not decided on a major or who are unsure about their current major is to remember they are “18, 19, even if you’re 20, 21, 22,” there is plenty of time.

To affirm his statements, Saldivar tells his students he still doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up as a light way to show that even professors aren’t always sure of their next step.

“If you’re still trying to figure out a major, one, take advantage of opportunities, learn as much as you can about everything, learn about yourself,” he said. “Two, find out what you care about. Do you care about helping people? Do you care about money? And be honest with yourself. And, three, develop as many skills as possible … and the major will figure itself out.”

He added to always remember “there are a lot of jobs yet to be created” and to prepare for a career that doesn’t even exist yet, students must be well-rounded.

“We never talk to kids about skills and I always tell my students, ‘Build as many skills as you can, whether it’s public speaking, reading, writing, communication skills, everything,’” Saldivar said. “Be good at everything so that it’s hard for somebody to say you don’t get this job.”

Asked how students can be sure to get the most out of their time at UTRGV, Saldivar replied, “Don’t be a parking-lot student. Don’t just show up, come to class and then leave. … You’re paying for a college experience, so take advantage of that.”

Rebecca Gadson, associate vice president for Student Life and dean of students, said her strategies to help freshmen adjust to campus life are to develop a plan for the semester, stay organized and always read their syllabus.

Gadson added students often ignore how much time goes into being a college student.

She said most entering freshmen are surprised by the lack of worksheets they receive when they get to college and confuse that with not having as big of a workload when in reality, it is quite the opposite.

The dean encourages students not to be afraid to ask questions and communicate with their professors.

Asked what she would say to her former freshman self, Gadson replied, “When I was a college student, I was pretty shy and afraid of asking questions, and the advice I would give to myself is to not be afraid to try new things and get to know others.”

Gadson said college is a place to showcase talents and gain experience.

Her final piece of advice for the freshman class of 2019 is to “live your passion and surround yourself with people that will help to affirm, challenge and mentor you in your path.”