Academic Success and Support

Transcript

Let’s meet Susy, a senior from Oceanside, California, majoring in sociology with a minor in Latin American studies. Not only has Susy capitalized on all the academic support needed to do well in her courses, but she’s also been able to teach a class on her own. Susy, we can’t wait to hear all about it. Take it away.

– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone, my name is Susy, and I am a first generation college student. I identify as Chicana, and upon transferring to UCR, I knew that I had limited time here, so I made it a priority to connect with faculty and campus support services, one of them being the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. They have been able to connect me with a faculty mentor, and she has been able to guide me through the confusing world of research. One conversation I particularly recall having is how to conduct an ethnographic interview in a way that would not feel forced. My mentor advised me to approach it as a conversation with elements such as open-ended questions, listening, and following up with questions. As a sociology major, most of my courses incorporate large essay assignments. I find it challenging to bring the storm because I get caught up in refining my ideas before flushing them out. Luckily, the Academic Resource Center offers 50-minute writing sessions, which you can utilize at any point throughout your writing process. It’s great to explain your ideas to someone and have them ask questions or make suggestions about how you can craft a stronger argument. During my first quarter here at UCR, I was able to connect with the Office of Student Engagement and I was able to learn about art courses. We are one of the few UCs that offer students the opportunity to teach a class about any topic that they are passionate about. I’ll be teaching my course this fall, and I’m most excited about facilitating meaningful class discussions. I hope that you connected with some of the experiences that I shared today, and I’m excited for you to become a UCR Highlander. Back to you, Alex.

– Wow, Susy, that is incredible. I’d love to be part of that course. Thank you for the tips on the various ways that UCR can help students succeed, and the best of luck to you as you finish up your time at UCR. Take care.