Darlene Antoine Alumni share advice to incoming freshman and students transitioning from remote to in-person courses. The concept of the college experience is a long-held tale permeated with ideas of long-lasting memories, friendships, and academic achievements. Whether it was pulling an all-nighter in a dorm room or studying alongside a cup of overpriced Starbucks coffee, the promise of new experiences and opportunities emerged with each day. However, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have transformed the concept of the common college experience from in-person meetings to virtual lectures and lessons. To commemorate the upcoming arrival of the new students, members of the campus community had a few words of advice as students navigate their academic and personal journeys once arriving on campus at FAU for the first time. Natalia Boltinskaia, a senior majoring in hospitality and tourism, explained that the passage of time moves quickly when you first enter college and before realizing it, college has come and gone in a blink of an eye. “As a freshman, I wish I knew how fast time actually flies. I remember my first day at FAU as if it was yesterday, and I wish I could repeat it all over again and appreciate the time I spent at FAU even more. I wish I knew how important it was to communicate with FAU staff, professors and make a lot of friends and connections to succeed in your life,” said Boltinskaia. 4 | FAU Declassified
Jordan Zielinski, Finance, December 2020
Jordan Zielinski, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance, shared a similar sentiment as he explained that it is important to make as many connections as possible with those inside and outside of the classroom. “I wish I knew as a freshman the importance of reaching out to your professors so they know you on a first-name basis and that you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for help as most are more than willing to help with not only classwork but advice for future classes or your career,” Zielinski said. “Meeting fellow classmates is also extremely important. It allows for a quicker way to get help in a class and could lead to great connections for your future career and lifelong friendships.”
