2008 Woodie Awards
New People, new experience
Keith Weirather
Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: Feature
- Page 1 of 1
" A helpful smile makes college worth while," said Jessica Sanders, a first year student majoring in medical assistance. Meeting new people at Kirkwood Community College has been exceptionally easy for Sanders.
According to Sanders, the students and staff at KCC have been welcoming and helpful to her as a newcomer, which makes a big impact considering she came from a small community. Sanders attended Olin High School, which consists of about 80 students from grades 9-12. She graduated with only 26 students in her class, five of whom were foreign exchange students.
"When I first came to Kirkwood I have to admit I was a little nervous," said Sanders. "In high school I knew everyone in my class. Coming to Kirkwood and sitting in a classroom with 25 strangers was almost surreal. I didn't know anyone."
According to Sanders, Student Ambassador Kiel McCrea has been extremely helpful showing her around campus and introducing her to other new students. Sanders said she also enjoys going to the library, not only to catch up on some homework, but also to meet people.
Although college may seem intimidating to first year students, Kirkwood offers a mentoring program to help ease students' first year.
"First year students are paired up with second year students who have more of a feel for Kirkwood," Student Life Associate Shannon Zichterman explained.
"First year students should take the initiative to get involved their first year of college," Zichterman said. "Students don't have their parents to push them." She added getting involved with activities is the number one way to meet new people and make friends.
According to Sanders, the students and staff at KCC have been welcoming and helpful to her as a newcomer, which makes a big impact considering she came from a small community. Sanders attended Olin High School, which consists of about 80 students from grades 9-12. She graduated with only 26 students in her class, five of whom were foreign exchange students.
"When I first came to Kirkwood I have to admit I was a little nervous," said Sanders. "In high school I knew everyone in my class. Coming to Kirkwood and sitting in a classroom with 25 strangers was almost surreal. I didn't know anyone."
According to Sanders, Student Ambassador Kiel McCrea has been extremely helpful showing her around campus and introducing her to other new students. Sanders said she also enjoys going to the library, not only to catch up on some homework, but also to meet people.
Although college may seem intimidating to first year students, Kirkwood offers a mentoring program to help ease students' first year.
"First year students are paired up with second year students who have more of a feel for Kirkwood," Student Life Associate Shannon Zichterman explained.
"First year students should take the initiative to get involved their first year of college," Zichterman said. "Students don't have their parents to push them." She added getting involved with activities is the number one way to meet new people and make friends.
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