Freshman Share First Semester Experiences

Students provided insight to faculty and staff about
their experiences during their first semester at
Southwest during the second annual freshman
convocation on Nov. 18.

Freshmen took the opportunity to share their first semester experiences with Southwest faculty and staff during the second annual Freshman First-Semester Convocation on Nov. 18 at the Nabors Gymnasium on the Macon Cove Campus.

The interaction is designed to allow students to give a fresh take on experiencing Southwest as a new student and allow College leadership to ask questions and provide insight. Many students shared that their initial impression of college was that it would be difficult to navigate and the study load would be hard, but once they engaged with Southwest faculty and staff, those fears were alleviated.  

Freshman Christopher Felician said he knew college would require him to be more proactive in his learning. Having transferred from Tennessee State University, he said the hard lessons learned away from home showed him that Southwest was the better choice for his education. Plus, it allows him to live at home, which is a cost-saver when considering academic needs along with the financial opportunities available. The Tennessee Promise scholarship program that provides for free college is what attracted many students to Southwest.

Freshman Joziah Ellize is undecided on his career path, but knows he wants to be involved in the fashion industry as he wants to be an entrepreneur. To help those who are undecided determine the right career path, the College provides a career assessment and career counseling, said LaJoyce Harris, project manager for Reimaging the Community College Experience. 

z“Students should really do this before registering for classes, but it is helpful at any point a student is unsure if their choice for a career path is the right one for them,” Harris said. “And career coaches help students dive deeper with the assessment.”

Through pointed and thought-provoking questions, Harris guided students to seek out opportunities that can assist them as they complete their first semester. 

To address the “college is harder than high school” fear, Harris suggested that students take advantage of free tutoring and other support services such as mental health, childcare, the food pantry, and student-centered support services. 

Campus life and culture was also a topic of discussion by students. Nearly a dozen college clubs and organizations were available during the Convocation for students to learn more and get involved. For more information about campus life, visit the Student Life webpage.