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Office of Undergraduate Education

Erica Jones' Blog Archives

The Transfer-Commuter: Erica's Blog

Hello all,
This is my first OFFICAL blog. I have had the experience of trying to work through the different problems of trying to work this blogging forum with Mrs. McGlynn and we finally figured out how to work this thing.

Anyways, When I was approached to write about my experiences as being a new student to UMBC, I was sooo excited to have a place to tell others about my story. My story is just beginning and is being written currently as I type this, as there are many new experiences that I have been involved in while getting accustomed to the "UMBC experience".
Let me begin by telling all of you reading this my background story. It all began on a dark stormy night... .... ...wait.....not that story.[laughs] Let me start with July of 2009. I had just transferred out of York College of PA. York is a small town that is located right over the Maryland, Pennsylvania border. It is a VERY quiet, VERY small town, and just did not seem to be the right environment for a girl like me. I was soo used to the city life back home in Baltimore that I only thought it right to come home and be in a place that I felt comfortable. I decided to apply for UMBC and shortly after being accept, I began...[cue dramatic music] "The Transfer Process". This was the most dreadful part of the whole "switching schools" process.
After many visits to York and UMBC, I was finally schedualed and ready to attend UMBC in the fall. After being upset about a few classes I did not prefer, and a few credits that did not transfer, I decided to move on and make a new name for myself here at UMBC.
There are many things that I noticed about the UMBC campus that were different from the campus that I had previously attened. I love the fact that I am surrounded by people who find it necessary to work. There is always a person reading or studying and the atmoshpere is one of learning and focus. I LOVE that! I feel like everyone, at least most, want to better themselves and make a name for themselves in this very difficult and challenging world that we live in.
There were also some hurdles that I faced while entering into UMBC. I find that there is not enough advertisement on campus for the different groups and places of interest for many of us transfer, commuter students. Many of the students that I have talked to agree with me when I say that I want to be involved, but have no way of REALLY finding out about different opportunites available to us on campus. Yes, there is advertisement for different things available on campus online on MyUmbc, and yes there is an invovlement center that will help us to find a palce where we would have interests in, but many do not REGULARILY check their UMBC accounts and do not even know that the involement center exisits. [YIKES!]
Although I faced the hurdles of transferring into a new place, not meeting many people at first, and trying to find my "nitch" in a somewhat large campus, I am beginning to make new friends, meet new people, and enjoy my time spent on campus. I am currently a member of SGA and am an excecutive assisant for governmental affairs. Today, I sat in on my first Black Student Union meeting, which I enjoyed, and have made some really good friends along the way.
I will be writing blogs as often as I can about my journey, which I hope many of you reading can relate to. Now off to some homework, which I have unfortunately procrastinated on.[lol].

The Transfer-Commuter: Erica's Blog

Hello All,

So it has been a while due to a schedule that is picking up pace and beginning to get in the "thickness" of the semester. Last week, the school hosted the American Red cross for a blood drive that was being held in Commons and the University Center. I was excited because this was my first time giving blood and was grateful for the opportunity to be able to save a life. I love that this school has wonderful opportunities available for students. A problem that I notice is that many student don't use the opportunities laid out for us. There are so many available events on campus and it is unfortunate that many do not know about these events or just refuse to take Nike's advice and "just do it". I hope that I can help change advertisement in this school over time and help the new students such as myself learn to research and join something to gain the FULL "college experience".
Homecoming is coming up soon and I am hoping that the events will go well. Now that I am a member of SGA, I will be helping out for this event so be on the look out for me. I will be sure to let you know whats going on during the events.
Well I have to go, because the work is piling up as I speak.

PS--- If this is the case for anyone reading, just remember to take papers, studying , and any other assignments little by little. Don't let them stress you out. [smiles]

The Transfer-Commuter: Erica's Blog

Hello All,

If anyone has been following my blogs, you will notice that I haven't been posting a frequently as I have wanted. There is word that can can explain the reason for this....*cues scary music*....MIDTERMS. It has been a challenging experience for me to transfer into an honors college. I feel very privileged to be able to come to this school. I transfered from a school that was not at all as challenging as UMBC. I don't know how many other transfers feel this way, but I have noticed a huge change in the quality of work here at UMBC verses the previous institution I attended.
The only thing that I can suggest to help anyone feeling the same way I do is to make sure that your time management is something that you learn and fast! In my opinion, it is very important to stay organized and on top of your work. I know that I can easily type this is my blog and make it seem as easy as say, maybe blinking, but it is not. There are workshops on campus that can help you to do this. If you aren't able to find these resources, asking a professor to help you with this is as easy as ever. All it takes is a conversation and they ARE willing to help you. I am not afraid to ask professors for help just because I realize that they really WANT to help not matter what anyone has said.
I hope that this can bring all reading this some sort of comfort and hope.

Erica Jones

Ps--- Although stressing about a large project or an exam may seem like it is impossible to avoid, just know that you CAN get your work done, get an A on your exam, and succeed in anything you do!

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