As a first-generation student attending SDSU, it has been an incredible experience. During my first semester, I was able to meet a lot of new people and pick up new habits along the way. At the start of the semester, I was very worried and nervous about the drastic change from going to regular high school activities to a huge campus with a lot of new possibilities. It was a struggle for me to make new friends as a commuter. Eventually, I started to put myself out there and began to socialize more with students that I sat near in class. In my psychology lecture, I am grateful and blessed to have met these wonderful people who later turned into my study group. I learned how to make connections with people, which has helped me get through my college experience. I also struggled with learning how to properly study and prepare for an exam. I took a class where they taught us different studying techniques, which was very effective. I am so glad that, at the end of the day, I was able to pass all of my classes and pick up good studying habits.
BLCI has been a blessing to me and my family in so many ways. BLCI helped me prepare for college as a freshman by helping me make connections with other students who were attending the university I was going to. I made new connections with students who attended SDSU, and they helped me know where the resource center was located and where I could find help or support. BLCI offered us workshops where they taught us about the different programs that colleges offer students to gain hands-on experience. BLCI would often offer student tours around various college campuses to give us a feel for how big a campus can be.
The program has provided academic support, including tutoring and workshops, that helped develop the skills needed to succeed in college. For example, math tutoring was essential for me because math was my least favorite subject, and all the tutors helped me understand the material better and learn new strategies. In addition, BLCI offered me opportunities to explore many of my interests and develop leadership skills like the USD Real Estate Internship and USD Innovation STEM Bootcamp, which helped me develop teamwork and critical thinking skills. Being part of BLCI, I learned how to balance academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities, socializing, and other obligations. I developed skills in setting priorities, creating schedules, and managing time effectively. I am so grateful for all of the support and opportunities this program has offered me and other students.
