JL
Jamie Lanagan
  • McKinney, TX

Jamie Lanagan serves as mentor at William Woods University

2013 Jun 4

The first year of college can be stressful, even terrifying, but William Woods University continues to offer students the opportunity to get acclimated during a three-week summer program, Freshman Advantage.

Jamie Lanagan of McKinney, Texas, is serving as a mentor for incoming students.

The program, scheduled for June 10 to 28, allows incoming freshman to get a jump start on college. They can earn up to seven general education credits in courses such as math, college writing, art, film studies, speech and psychology.

"Freshman Advantage has been a part of my life for the last three years now and it's about to be a fourth. From being a mentee to being a mentor, those three weeks out of every summer have been the greatest," said Alicia Delaney, a student mentor from St. Peters, Mo.

The program, which accepts the first 72 students who apply, is designed to aid students in the transition from high school to college. Now in its ninth year, the program is directed and taught by WWU faculty members.

"Freshman Advantage is rewarding," said Taylor Oestreich, a student mentor from Fulton, Mo. "While earning seven credit hours, you not only get to know the teachers and become familiar with campus, but you establish friendships with older students, as well as incoming students, that will last a lifetime."

He added, "I choose to be a mentor every year because I love helping incoming students with their transition to college, as well as learning from their perspectives and their experiences."

Earning credit hours during the summer is helpful for those students focused on academics, who want to double major, graduate early or simply want an introduction to college course work.

In addition to classes, Freshman Advantage participants will have the opportunity to enjoy activities such as movie nights, barbeques, and weekend trips to such places as Six Flags.

"My favorite part about Freshman Advantage is seeing the growth of the freshmen from their first summer here to the end of their freshman year. They grow so much in between that time and truly become their own individual," said Delaney.

This year, 12 mentors are assisting the participants by tutoring, leading weekend activities and serving as community advisers in the residence halls. The mentors are selected by Freshman Advantage faculty through an application and interview process.

"'Living the life I love and loving the life I live' is a quote I adore. Being a part of Freshman Advantage lets me do just that," said Oestreich.

For more information about Freshman Advantage go to www.williamwoods.edu/FA or contact Dr. Aimee Sapp at (573) 592-4391 or asapp@williamwoods.edu.