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For Those Moments Where You Feel Like Your Essay is Trash

The Writing Center is a resource that I try to take advantage of as much as possible. The reason being is that instead of awkwardly asking your roommate or friends to read your flaming trash can of an essay, you can ask someone who is contractually obligated to tell you what’s wrong with it so you have a chance to turn it into something that will get you that A. Because we all know the first draft is the worst draft. That being said, there obviously those of you that can write an A grade paper on the first try so kudos to you, I unfortunately am not one of those people.

In in the Fall Quarter, I was taking Writing 39C which is the last lower-division writing class that everyone has to take. While in Writing 39C there are two projects that involve a lot of writing and will pretty much be your ticket out of that class with an A or with a just passing grade. My writing professor actually recommended everyone in the class to go to the Writing Center at least once so I took him up on that offer. After setting up an appointment with an experienced professional, full time writing specialist, my essay got ripped apart but I ended up getting a better grade in the end for it. For those of you who are planning on going this route, a word of caution: definitely set up the appointment way before the deadlines of your essays because they will go in depth about your writing so there may not be enough time for you to implement all the recommendations if you set the appointment too late. Oh and I almost forgot to mention, the Writing Center and all its services are FREE for UCI students. Yes that’s right ladies and gentlemen the price of getting professional help is zero dollars.

Now you are probably wondering, where can I find such a GREAT and FREE resource? Well dear reader, I’ll tell you. There’s a place on campus called the Ayala Science Library which is across Aldrich Park from Middle Earth Housing. As for future Mesa Court residents you are going to have to walk a bit further. After a quick Google Search I found a nice map that highlights where Ayala Science Library is.

The Writing Center should definitely be something everyone tries at least once since they offer more than just writing help. Some other services they offer are drop-in peer tutors, help with scholarships, and even email consultations. All of which are FREE by the way since the good folks at UCI understand that we as students, are BROKE 100% of the time.

Zot On Anteaters!
Josh

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Summer Bridge

 

Summer Bridge is by far one of the most amazing programs I have ever been a part of and I would highly recommend it to any incoming UCI freshman. It’s a program specifically for first generation, low income students to get adjusted to living on campus and taking college classes. Participants get to take two college classes, Bridges to Success and the Making of Modern Science, that covers one GE, to get used to the fast pace and rigor of college classes on the quarter system. These classes were super beneficial to me the eight units, boosted me up to sophomore standing, resulting in an earlier registration window which meant a better schedule and better professors. It also helps that every Summer Bridge student takes the same classes so you can talk to your housemates about the assignments and work together to succeed.

One of the best parts about Summer Bridge is that it is completely free, making it possible for low income, first generation students to make the most of their college experience, without worrying about the cost. Everything is covered from the housing in Arroyo Vista to tuition for the classes. It even includes $450 zot bucks to cover food throughout the summer and a bus pass to get to and from campus. These benefits also extend beyond the program, following you throughout your freshman year. During the year, there are still workshops that work on skills like time management and talking to professors where you can gain skills to excel in college. You also get a peer mentor to help you throughout the year with any questions you may have and a group to bond with. In addition to a peer mentor, you also have a personal guide, either Tamekya or Janet, that checks up on you once a quarter to support you and make your transition smooth. Other benefits during the year include free LARC (usually $110 each quarter), a free book loan program, the opportunity to rent chromebooks, and access to free writing tutors. Summer Bridge offers so many benefits and provides amazing support to its students. But by far, building community is one of the most important parts of Summer Bridge for me.

Moving away and starting college is challenging enough, but when you are a first generation, low income student, it is so easy to feel out of place without a sense of community. Everyone in the program comes from similar socioeconomic backgrounds which makes it easy for you to relate to each other. A majority of people I met were very down to earth and humble due to where they have come from and share many of my values because we realize how lucky we are to have the opportunity to go to college. Because of this, it’s so easy to build a genuine relationship with other students in the program and have a support system that understands many of the issues you may face. This extends to the staff as well, everyone is really adamant about helping you succeed and wants you to do well. This support has gotten me through so much during this first year and I am eternally grateful for this program, hoping to do anything I can to give back to future Summer Bridge Students.

Thanks to Summer Bridge, I was able to ease into college better and get a head start. It helped me to build a community of support that I can relate to and confide in. Additionally, I have so much support from the additional resources available to me through Bridge along with connections to other programs like TRIO! Incoming freshmen: please sign up for Summer Bridge and do not miss this amazing opportunity!u