Freshmen get chance to experience college life as part of CU program

Jul. 19—Upcoming college freshmen from across West Virginia had an opportunity this week to experience life on a university campus.

The students participated in the 10-day Fresh Start Summer Program at Concord University.

The program is designed for incoming freshman who meet specific criteria such as being raised in a low-income household or being a first generation college attendee in the state of West Virginia. They were required to write an essay on why they should be accepted into the program, according to CU Aspirer Coordinator Cristina Reagan.

The 25 students attending will earn credits by participating in workshops and attending presentations that will help develop a better understanding of the university expectations and engage in social activities to help build friendships before attending the school in the fall, according to the Concord Fresh Start page online.

"So far, we are into the fifth day of the ten-day event. It's been a very intense and very packed schedule," Reagan said. "The whole essence of the fresh start is where they experience staying in the dorms."

Reagan said the students get to meet different people on campus, including asking questions from financial aid to study tips.

Because of a grant donated to Concord Unversity in 2023, the program coordinators were able to revamp the program and turn it into an overnight residential program.

"In 2023, Concord received a $250,000 donation from Pennsylvania. Based on the past two years, they had decided to restructure the camp because we had this extra income," Reagan said.

Reagan said it changed from a three-week camp to a 10-day overnight camp.

Julie Brown — a recent Concord graduate, was eager to prepare the freshman for college. She is not only a tour guide, but a mentor to the students.

"I enjoyed working with this age group. I already spent the last few months working with high school students. A month ago I was working with like 9th and 10th grade so this was a little bit of a jump, but I really like this age group," Brown said. "They're really eager to learn. So it's exciting working with this group because you can see how excited they are to start college. I really wish I had this opportunity when I was their age. It would have been nice to know where everything is."

Mentor and tour guide, Lilly Palmer, just finished her freshman year of college, and advises upcoming freshman to not overwork but build bonds.

"Upcoming freshman, don't overwork, don't overload and don't do a job and all this other stuff," Palmer said. "Mainly try to be involved in clubs and camp. It's really good to make friends in that type of way. When you're here your kind of nervous, but college is different than high school. You don't have to fit in but get to know people. It makes your four years a lot easier."

Attending the Fresh Start program has benefited upcoming freshmen Kaiya Gooch and Logan White.

"I absolutely love it. I did the orientations a couple of times and coming to this little camp helped me navigate where I needed to go," Gooch said. "I liked the activities and bonding. If I hadn't gone to this camp I wouldn't have anybody to be friends with coming into college. So I think that helps a lot."

Gooch is going to major in art and hopes to become a photographer.

"After being here so many days, I realized it's really preparing me for college in more ways than I thought," White said. "It's a big campus for me, too. You got to walk everywhere. The days are pretty full. That's how I expect college to be, obviously not everyday, but I expect to have some pretty busy days."

White is joining Concords E-sports team and is looking forward to learning.

Although the program is intended for upcoming freshman, three high school juniors were able to tour the college campus including junior Esther Akers. Akers was surprised to learn she was accepted into the program.

"It's different because I am one of the youngest here, but it is very insightful, because I still have that one more year before, so it helps me choose maybe considering this college more or if college is what I really want to do, it's very insightful," Akers said.

The program is coming to a quick end, but Reagan hopes the students feel comfortable by the time fall semester arrives to prevent dropouts.