Taylor Oestreich Serves as Mentor for Freshman Advantage at William Woods University

2012 Jun 7

Taylor Oestreich of Fulton, Mo., is one of the mentors for William Woods University's Freshman Advantage this year. This is the eighth year the university has offered the three-week summer program to help incoming freshmen gain a jump-start on college.

The program, which accepts the first 72 students who apply, is open to first-time college freshmen. It is designed to aid students in the transition from high school to college. The program, which will be held June 11- June 29, is directed and taught by WWU faculty members.

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.

"Freshman Advantage is an absolutely amazing program, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it," said Katherine Wortmann, a senior from Mexico, Mo., who served as a mentor for two summers. "Working with my peers to help make the transition from high school to college as seamless as possible for the incoming students was so much fun."

Through the program, students will earn seven common studies credit hours in courses such as math, college writing, art, film studies, speech and psychology.

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

Students will also have a chance to meet others from the incoming class and bond with upper-class mentors.

Alexis Guth of Sullivan, Mo., attended Freshman Advantage before her freshman year and has been a mentor for two summers. She said the program offers a number of benefits for incoming students.

"On the first day of school, you already have class credits, around 60 new friends, experience, and overall confidence," she said. "This will be my third year involved with Freshman Advantage and I know it will be great."

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

"It never felt like a 'real' job because we were always laughing and having a good time," Wortmann said. "I loved being able to plan the afternoon and weekend activities so the students could break away from the stress of schoolwork for a while."

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.