First and Second Year Experiences celebrates student success with initiatives

From enrollment to sophomore year, Augusta University’s Office of First and Second Year Experiences (FYE/SYE) helps students grow. It challenges and supports them as they adjust to college life, helping them develop a mindset focused on success. The program assists students through key early transitions, setting the stage for academic success and personal growth.

Throughout the academic year, FYE/SYE hosts events and initiatives aimed at getting first- and second-year students more involved with campus.

In September, FYE/SYE launched a new campaign, “The Dash,” which asked students, “How will you make the most of your college years?” The goal of the initiative was to help students plan for what they’d like to accomplish during their college years.

“’The Dash,’ helps students intentionally plan for what they would like to see or do in the years between the beginning of college [-] to the end of college,” said Beth Huggins, EdD, director of First and Second Year Experiences. “In other words, we’re asking students to define their dash. Thinking backwards can also help – what skills do you want to develop before leaving college?”

A well-known poem called The Dash by Linda Ellis inspired the FYE/SYE team to create this initiative. Kennedi Manning and Callie Little, graduate assistants in FYE/SYE, created marketing pieces to distribute to students, including a bookmark for FYE book club participants.

“I will define my dash by exploring all of my options in what route I want to take as a future counselor through networking with professionals of various backgrounds, staying up to date on research studies, and strategizing innovative ways to effectively improve mental health,” said Little, a student in the Masters in Clinical Health Counseling program through AU’s College of Education and Human Development.

“I will define my dash by not being afraid to make mistakes, ask questions, and look into new opportunities that might make me uncomfortable. As a counselor in training, it is important for me to have an open mind and explore my options,” said Manning, who is also working towards her MEd in Clinical Health Counseling.

Starting in October, FYE/SYE is shifting its focus to GRIT and Gratitude. GRIT and Gratitude is an initiative that began four years ago to help students stay driven and finish the semester strong, paired with a focus on Gratitude.

GRIT, which stands for “Growing Resilience into Tomorrow,” comes from what author and psychologist Angela Duckworth defines as the “passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in and day out. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

During GRIT and Gratitude, students will participate in the brick wall of resilience activity. They’ll share a personal story of overcoming a challenge, whether it’s a life milestone or a difficult experience they’ve faced. These stories will be written on red “bricks” and displayed in the University Hall Lobby to inspire and motivate others to persevere through life’s ups and downs.

In addition to the brick wall of resilience, students can write letters of encouragement to themselves that will be mailed to them over winter break. Students can also sign up for weekly gratitude texts throughout October for another dose of encouragement.

“This is the month for resiliency. We are getting overwhelmed, tired and losing steam. We might even experience failure,” said Huggins. “Learning to celebrate setbacks is important. Setbacks help us to slow way down, give ourselves and others grace for mistakes and move ahead with gratitude for those people or things that help us get through the hard stuff.”

While these activities are geared towards first- and second-year students, the FYE/SYE staff say all are welcome to participate in GRIT and Gratitude activities.