By Isa Riano, Advertisement Manager
While starting college is a new and exciting experience for incoming students, it is natural for them to be concerned about challenging classes, costs, time management, living away from home, meeting new people, and living a different lifestyle. With all of the normal anxiety that incoming freshman experience, it is natural for them to wonder how they can make the most of their college experience.
Coping with the anxiety of being a freshman in college is essential for having a successful first year. While this is a common emotion, allowing it to take over can prevent you from making valuable connections and having wonderful experiences during your college years.
I remember being so worried about not knowing anyone on campus as an incoming student that I simply locked myself in my dorm for the first few weeks of college. However, learning about everything Saint Leo University has to offer in terms of mental health helped me overcome these obstacles and break out of my shell.
The Counseling Services office is located in the Wellness Center and provides free counseling services to all students. Those interested in scheduling an appointment should contact the Director of Counseling Services, Lawson Jolly, at lawson.jolly@saintleo.edu. Students can use counseling services to talk about their anxiety and learn how to manage their emotions effectively during their college years.
In addition to resources for mental health, the Wellness Center also has resources for physical health. These resources include an infinity pool, a gym, and a yoga studio, all of which are excellent places to unwind, both alone and with friends. The Wellness Center also offers free dancing, yoga, spin, Zumba, and other fitness classes to students.
Students who are interested in attending can visit the Wellness Center’s website at https://wellness.saintleo.edu/ and register for classes in advance.
These are all excellent extracurricular activities that can help relieve stress and keep students entertained. Because some classes are taught in groups, they can also help students make new friends and get to know others more easily.
The instructors in the Wellness Center have the goal of creating an environment where authenticity is valued
“I aim for a space where students can express themselves in a stress-free area,” said Raegan Buhrman, a spin instructor at the Wellness Center.
Students who have taken classes at the Wellness Center have found them both challenging and enjoyable.
“The classes I deliver consist of hills, sprints, and active recovery. Everyone who has taken them has had fun in their own way,” said Buhrman.
Another great way to meet new people and get to know other students is by getting involved in various clubs and organizations. Students can access EngageLeo at https://saintleo.campuslabs.com/engage/organizations to learn about campus clubs and who to contact for more information.
Joining a club allows students to gain and develop skills that will benefit them both inside and outside of the classroom, as well as connect with other students. Some Saint Leo students have stated that getting involved was a highlight of their college experience.
“After I explored all the groups and clubs Saint Leo University has to offer, my time in college felt so much better,” said Noah Henry, a 2023 graduate with a degree in clinical psychology. During his time at Saint Leo, Henry was involved in the Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honors Society as the vice president.
“My favorite memory was being able to be on the stage again,” he said.
In addition to the existing clubs and organizations on campus, students can form their own if they are passionate about it.
For instance, Faith McKenna, a 2022 graduate with a degree in healthcare administration, brought the Music Collective Club back to campus after it ceased its yearly activities due to the pandemic.
“Seeing the Music Collective Club back with a full roster made me feel incredibly proud of myself,” said McKenna. “Being involved in a club that you were inspired to start is a piece of advice I would give to incoming students.”
Ashley Phelps, the assistant director of student activities, explained that starting a new club is a very interesting process.
“The first step is to send me a roster with at least five students interested in joining the organization, in addition to a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer,” said Phelps.
According to Phelps, students wanting to start a club also must identify an advisor for the club, write a complete constitution for the organization, and come up with a list of planned projects for the school year. The final step is registering the organization through EngageLeo and adding all the active members of the club.
While academics are important, it is strongly advisable that students supplement their academic achievements with involvement in clubs and organizations. In my personal experience, my extracurricular activities have helped me network with other students in my field, as well as given me skills that I have used during internships and in the classroom.
However, despite the importance of extracurricular activities, the reason students attend college is for their education, meaning it is also critical to succeed in the classroom.
Professors at Saint Leo are extremely helpful and eager to assist students, and office hours are an excellent way for professors to answer students’ questions and help them succeed in the classroom. Students should reach out to their professors whenever they need assistance, even if it is just to ask for tips on how to get the most out of their academic experience.
It is also crucial for students to know that networking with their professors is very helpful.
“The first thing students should do is reach out to professors in their department,” said Dr. Passard Dean, who teaches economics, accounting, and finance at Saint Leo.
Dean explained that students must realize that “professors are also human beings; thus, it is very beneficial for students to learn their name and build relationships with them.”
Professors also help students gain academic and work experience.
“We are here to introduce students to different organizations and internships in our department,” said Dean.
Aside from professors, Saint Leo has excellent academic resources in the Center for Vision and Academic Excellence (CAVE), which aims to provide students with services and programs that serve as foundations for academic success. The CAVE is located on the first floor of Kirk Hall.
Peer tutoring is available for students who need help with specific subjects, as well as peer-assisted learning (PAL) coaching for those who want to learn about time management and overcoming academic challenges. Students who are interested in these services should visit the CAVE website at https://www.saintleo.edu/academics/success-resources/cave.
Finally, it is important for students to not take on more than they can handle. While some students are very involved, others may burn out trying to balance too many extracurricular and academic activities. It is crucial for students to learn to prioritize between academics and other involvements that are important to them.
College is an exciting time in life, especially for freshmen. While it is initially difficult, knowing what to do to make the most of the college experience can transform it into a life stage that leaves a lasting impression.
