Moving from Memphis
Hello Scarlet Raptors! It’s Raptor Ambassador I am a first-year student at Rutgers University-Camden from Memphis, Tennessee who is Majoring in Social Work and Minoring in Musical Theater. After completing my first semester here, I can say I’ve had a great experience so far.
This July, I made the move from my hometown of South Memphis, Tennessee to Camden, New Jersey. I moved in early for the Rutgers Summer Bridge Program, which gave me some time to get acquainted with the campus and to learn a bit about the city and state. The Summer Bridge Program has allowed me to meet new people and to learn about the different programs and support initiatives that they have here for me to be successful. This was especially important for me as a first-generation student who was moving away from home for the very first time.
Being a part of the summer bridge program has also allowed me to get a feel of what college classes would be like when the semester starts, which was really helpful being that everything was very new to me. I took a math course over the summer that allowed me to reflect on my study habits and how I originally balanced my work and social life. I also got tips on how to improve those habits and how to manage my stress levels. This was very helpful to work on before I officially started college in the fall.
The Summer Bridge Program also gave me the opportunity to learn about all of the different support services that Rutgers-Camden offers their students. The most helpful for me so far has been the Trio program, which is a federally funded program that caters to students who are first generation, limited on income and who have documented disabilities. Trio hosts events for students about time management, the college adjustment in addition to the financial literacy classes, free tutoring, and free counseling.
When the fall semester started, I was able to see all the students who were coming here from different places like me and was able to make friends with them. Where I grew up, it’s not as diverse as New Jersey. I’m glad that I’m able to experience all the different aspects of life here. Being here is still an adjustment and I’m still getting used to the culture shocks and differences, but I love Rutgers Camden and the people that I’ve met here have made me feel comfortable and as welcome as possible.
I love sharing my stories about my hometown to everyone I’ve met here and I’m glad that they can share their stories with me. Being a first-generation student who is a long way from home in an entirely different state may be challenging, but when you meet the right people who can guide you it makes the experience ten times better.
By Kirsten Fair