August 26, 2024

Columbus State University's annual First-Year Convocation offered the university’s newest students first-hand accounts of the ins and outs of college life. During the Aug. 22 event, a panel of juniors and seniors shared their insights on everything from academic success to building their network.

The four-student panel represented college majors from physical and health sciences to business and communication. They homed in on creating a foundation for success that begins in the core curriculum and extends into their future coursework in their chosen majors. And, while their interests varied, they agreed that “core courses” have often-overlooked benefits that aren’t initially obvious if those classes aren’t the focus of your declared major.

As senior Lauren Barnes explained, English, math, history and science courses “aren’t just credits you need to graduate.”

“I’m actually going through the application process [for physical therapy school] at the moment, and a lot of those core classes have set me up [for success],” the kinesiology major said. “[My English classes], for example, have helped me write papers for my application and prepare for the interview process. There are so many ways that core classes will help you.”

Core courses like English have also been as valuable to senior Jarrett Huckaby as those in his Earth and space science major.

“Too often, we focus on what the class ‘is’ instead of what it’s ‘giving’ us,” he said, responding to the critiques his fellow STEM majors have for classes outside their major, like English. “[What we learn in core courses] has helped me reframe what I learn in math and science so I can be a better problem-solver. These classes are giving us skills to not just do well in college, but really do well in life.”

Nick Bentley, a senior studying integrated communication, said deepening his knowledge in areas outside his major has increased his global awareness and made him more well-rounded.

“Take volcanoes for example. When they erupt in another country and wipe out a town—those are real people. Those are their homes. That can teach you a lot about having empathy for others,” he said, explaining how he will take knowledge like that from his core courses into his work as a journalist.

Bentley interned with a local television news station in the spring and moved immediately into a paid position—even before earning his degree. As he completes his college studies, he’s also serving as editor-in-chief of The Uproar student print and online newspaper.

Barnes credited the university’s strong ties to the Columbus region as an asset for students—both for career networking and building a personal community.

“I have fallen in love with Columbus, not just because of CSU, but because of the community. Columbus isn’t as big as it seems. I went out and made friends who weren’t just students; they include older adults who could mentor me,” she said, acknowledging different organizations and student ministries where she “found my community. There are a lot of people around in the community who will love you for who you are and will support you and help you on your journey.”

Huckaby pointed to the importance of his community when he encountered problems or obstacles.

“Failure is going to happen,” he said, recounting his three failed attempts at finding a major he liked until he landed on Earth and space science. “[It is] not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that you’re trying, and sometimes the best we can do is try. But when you do get it wrong, you need somebody to be there in your corner.”

As an international student from the Philippines, Jiane Rabara (pictured above, sitting to the left of Huckaby) said being a member of several student organizations and attending campus activities helped her adjust culturally and academically.

“Finding your place is as simple as choosing your right circle,” she added. “Here in college, you’re going to meet many people—maybe from a group project, an organization, or maybe from the cafeteria or anywhere. But it’s important to choose the right people who will inspire you to be the best version of yourself.”

Dr. Marti Venn, interim provost & chief academic officer, and President Stuart Rayfield (latter, pictured posing for a selfie) opened and closed the convocation program, respectively. Both referenced memorable books to remind students that they are writing their own stories while at Columbus State.

During her greeting, Venn challenged students to place themselves alongside the Little Engine that Could by maintaining a positive mindset and tapping into the university’s wellbeing and support programs.

“Remember, each step—even if it’s small—contributes to your overall journey. Just as the Little Engine believed in itself, you should believe in your capabilities and not shy away from seeking help when you need it,” she said. “Together, we can all move mountains in pursuing our goals.”

The First-Year Convocation is a cornerstone of the university’s annual two-week slate of Cougar Kickoff events, which this year spanned Sunday, Aug. 11 through its 17th annual Day of Service on Saturday, Aug. 24. Other kickoff highlights included a “Chill with the President” ice cream social; a whitewater rafting excursion; and wellness, volunteer, campus job and student organization recruitment fairs.

Members the Class of 2028 following the First-Year Convocation.

While final numbers will not be determined until later this fall, university data indicate that this year’s kickoff events catered to about 3.5% percent more total students this year than in fall of 2023. Forecasts show this increase is fueled by potential double-digit-percent growth in new graduate students over last fall. The university will publish its official fall enrollment figures after its final census date in mid-October.

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Main image: Panel facilitator Dr. Cindy Ticknor, dean of the Honors College, with (left to right) Bentley, Rabara, Huckaby and Barnes.

Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director of Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu