Freshman Year Review:
Only The Beginning 

Coming to the University of Cincinnati (UC) from out of state, gave a sense of nervousness but also a lot of excitement. Despite not having familiarity, I was curious to find my place on campus. From day one, my freshman year taught me a lesson of stepping out of my comfort zone and discovering who I am.

 

A big part of my college experience was participating in the Transitions program. Transitions is a program hosted by UC’s African American Cultural Resource Center (AACRC) that is designed to support Black freshman academically and socially on their college journey. It gave me an early introduction to campus and connected me to students with similar backgrounds. That early support really gave me a head start on building relationships and navigating resources that would help throughout my time at UC.

  

As the semester continued, I found myself drawn to use my storytelling and media skills outside of the classroom. I started being a Sports Contributor for The News Record, UC’s independent student newspaper, which opened a whole new world. I got to pitch ideas, write and grow as a student journalist. It was nice to see my byline and get work published so early in my college experience. 

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Beyond academics and campus involvement, one of the most memorable parts of my year was taking the AACRC Spring Break Tour. It was a nice experience to connect with my history and culture while getting to know UC students, staff and alumni. Traveling and visiting different places helped me reflect on how far I had come and how much more I wanted to achieve. 

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Looking back, my freshman year at UC was about more than just adjusting to college—it was about learning how to navigate new spaces with confidence, curiosity, and care. Each experience, from Transitions to The News Record to the Spring Break Tour, helped me grow in different ways and reminded me that I belong here. I leave this first year not just with memories, but with momentum. I’ve laid the foundation, built community, and tapped into my purpose. Now, I’m returning with a stronger sense of self and a commitment to lead, uplift others, and continue turning the page on my college journey.