Students@UM-Flint

This summer has been one of the most productive yet challenging summers I have had in my college career. I learned a lot along the way, and the majority of them were great challenges that pushed me beyond my limit. Growing up, my Dad’s original career was teaching. If you have a parent that taught or is a teacher you can probably relate to my experiences. My dad always wanted us to keep busy, he always wanted us to read books. My mom and brothers loved to read books but I preferred math (Really? Yeah I know, lol). I always wanted to calculate something or do something arithmetical. Every semester of my college career so far has had a math class in it, but now I’ve taken all my required math classes and I kind of miss it.

Back to my summer: I learned this summer to love reading more. I read books that would challenge me and bring the best out of me. I read books like Hill Harper’s Letter to Young Sister, Audacity of Hope by President Obama, Outliers and The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. I learned so much from these books and I’m looking forward to applying them in my daily life come September 4.

As the summer vacation comes to an end, departments in school are becoming busier, like the Admissions Office, Student Life, Housing & Residential Life, Financial Aid, the bookstore, and Academic Advising. There is so much excitement that the halls of campus are going to be noisy again, not the quiet halls they have been all summer long. Everyone is looking forward to seeing new faces, meeting different people from all over with different cultures and backgrounds. I’m getting excited just talking about it.

Some tips I have for incoming students is to get to the bookstore, Financial Aid, and Registrar’s Office on time because once school begins those lines become long and frustrating. Don’t wait until the last minute. I’ll upload pictures later on in the week to show you how long those lines can be. I stopped by Student Life earlier this week to speak to the director Jesse Hurse, to ask how preparation for students and the Welcome Back Picnic was coming along. “Great,” he said. He was looking forward to students coming back to campus, organizations hosting events, and the exciting things that students coming back have to look forward to.

Hope to catch up with you guys again soon. Till then.

T out.

The first day of classes is fast approaching and with that comes the time to move back to campus. While Saginaw is only a quick 40-minute drive from UM-Flint, I wanted the chance to get out on my own and immerse myself into college life as completely as I could, which is why I’ve chosen to live in our First Street Residence Hall since my first year.

Living on campus is one of my favorite aspects of being at college. It’s definitely a plus for me to be so close to everything; whatever I want is less than 15 minutes away, be it the mall, a grocery store, or a movie theater. Being in downtown Flint brings us close to some great restaurants and events, too.

It’s also a bonus to be so close to my classes, especially when that five-minute snooze on the alarm clock turns into 30 minutes.  And there have been times when I’ve forgotten an assignment in my room. Luckily, being right across the street from my classes means that I have time to run back to my room and get back to class with time to spare.

Just one perk of being at First Street: apartment-style living!

I’d say that we’re spoiled at First Street, too. There aren’t community bathrooms like at other schools, so no fighting with 30 other people for three showers. We’ve also got living rooms and full kitchens – definitely perks I don’t take for granted when talking to friends who go to other schools! It’s nice to have a space I can call my own and still get to hang out with suitemates.

Since living in First Street, I’ve had the chance to meet so many people who are doing all kinds of things across campus. I like the fact that living on campus creates a sense of community – there’s always someone around to talk to or hang out whenever you want, and there are always events happening in the hall, be it from the Resident Advisors or the Hall Council. Living on campus has truly given me the opportunity to make some great friends and has given me a place I’m happy to call home.

I’ve been blessed to have the experience of both worlds, having lived and schooled in different continents which I know has played a major role in the way I relate, communicate, and associate with people of different backgrounds and origins. University of Michigan-Flint has been my home away from home. The knowledge, friendships, education, relationships, growth, development, and opportunities have been nothing but remarkable.

I’m a Pre-Medical Health Sciences student, senior status, in hopes of becoming an Oncologist one day.  I’ve been involved in so many organizations and activities throughout my college experience from Campus Activities Board (CAB) to Student Government to Black Student Union and African Students Association and so much more. My first advice to any incoming college student would be to get involved on the UM-Flint campus and in your community because it definitely broadens your horizon and the knowledge you gain is priceless. In the three years I’ve spent at the university, student life has been a great deal of help to me because I have been fortunate to meet different students with diverse backgrounds, and we have all been able to learn a thing or two from each other.

I would love to share some things about myself. I love photography—I’m practically married to my Canon camera. I’m always excited when I capture memories, especially college memories because we all know those are the memories we want to have forever. Over the course of the next year you are probably going to see me taking different pictures at events with my camera. Pictures are my own way of relation because they can have 20,000 different meanings. I have so much to share with you all. I’m looking forward to documenting my college experience and sharing tips as we begin a new school year. Stay tuned for so much more. Make sure to stop by and say “hi” if you see me on campus.

My name’s Erika Trigg and I’m a 20-year-old junior in the Honors Program majoring in Communication with a minor in Psychology.  Throughout the year, I hope to share my experiences with you guys ranging from work to play and the juggling act that is college.

Some of the fun times I've had in the last year

I have two jobs on campus that have taught me a lot and have driven me toward my career choice to work in Student Affairs (which is basically being at a college for the rest of my life. Score!).  I’m an Orientation Leader, which means if you’re a new student coming in, I’ll be a part of the team welcoming you to the university.  I’m also the Student Marketing Coordinator for our University Dining Service, so I’m here to let you know all about the meal options we have (because who doesn’t like delicious eats?).

I’m the president of our Campus Activities Board, so you guys will get to know about some of the spectacular events that we put on in addition to the rest of our clubs and organizations on campus each semester.  There’s something for everyone here through Student Life, whether it’s the Anthropology Club or the Video Gamers Club.  I’m also in my third year living at the First Street Residence Hall, so any questions that you may have about living on campus, I’m your go-to girl.

I look forward to sharing with you guys all of the things that I love about being at UM-Flint and living in this city.  It’s been an awesome experience so far and between the four of us, I’m sure you’ll see why!