I had the opportunity to work in FYE from 2013-2015 while I was in the HESA program. I also attended SSU for my undergrad, majoring in early childhood education, and obtained my bachelors in 2010. After completing the HESA program I worked in disability services at Salem State and recently transitioned over to North Shore Community College to work with their TRiO Student Support Services office.
Working in FYE was an incredible experience! I learned so much that has helped me in my professional roles including skills in supervision, advising and coaching, presenting and even excel! (Yes, being able to master a spreadsheet is super important) I have many memories of working in FYE, but most of them revolve around working with the student staff and first-year students. One of my favorite things to do with the office was attend different events or just be visible in the halls and get a chance to interact with students. I mean who doesn’t love hanging out with and taking pictures with a giant blow up dinosaur to let students know they are doing Dino-mite or passing out free stuff and getting the students to talk about their experience!
Most importantly, FYE supported me by allowing me to grow as a professional in the field by giving me real experiences working with not only students but also faculty and staff! This provided me with tangible examples to use during interviews and I really feel like it made me stand out! If I were to give one word of advice to a future FYE grads, it would be to take each experience as a learning moment. There is so much to learn from this office and the work that you do, that it is so important to soak it all in! And of course, most important of all, have fun! This office is so much fun to work in and the greatest part is you learn a lot at the same time!
Working in FYE was an incredible experience! I learned so much that has helped me in my professional roles including skills in supervision, advising and coaching, presenting and even excel! (Yes, being able to master a spreadsheet is super important) I have many memories of working in FYE, but most of them revolve around working with the student staff and first-year students. One of my favorite things to do with the office was attend different events or just be visible in the halls and get a chance to interact with students. I mean who doesn’t love hanging out with and taking pictures with a giant blow up dinosaur to let students know they are doing Dino-mite or passing out free stuff and getting the students to talk about their experience!
Most importantly, FYE supported me by allowing me to grow as a professional in the field by giving me real experiences working with not only students but also faculty and staff! This provided me with tangible examples to use during interviews and I really feel like it made me stand out! If I were to give one word of advice to a future FYE grads, it would be to take each experience as a learning moment. There is so much to learn from this office and the work that you do, that it is so important to soak it all in! And of course, most important of all, have fun! This office is so much fun to work in and the greatest part is you learn a lot at the same time!