~Event offered tips for first-year success

The Academic Support Center sponsored the seminar "I Made It to College, Now What?" presented by Rashaun Henry on Sept. 12 in the University Center. The seminar highlighted the important factors of being a college freshman along with tips and tricks for first-year success.

Henry focused on how students can handle their first semester of college, the importance of getting the most out of their educational experience, getting involved on their the campus to their best ability and reaching out and seeking connections. Henry said his motive for getting involved and communicating is for networking.

"It's not what you know, but who you know," Henry said.

"What good is a degree if you do not gain the education?" Henry asked rhetorically to a group of approximately 35 middle school and high school students. He informed students about the services Southeast offers, including Student Support Services, the Writing Lab and Kent Library, which are all available to Southeast students at no cost.

"I enjoyed everything a lot," Athena Schreiner said and her classmate Sydney Ramond agreed.

"Although I have four more years left [in high school] but this speech really prepared me," Ramond said.

Henry obtained his master's degree in public administration and his bachelor's in journalism. Now he works as supervisor of the Trio Lab in the UC and works with Student Support Services.

Henry has been professionally giving seminars for two years. Over the summer he gave two professional speeches at national conferences and he often does multiple seminars over the fall and spring semesters about college. His other seminar topics are job preparation, branding yourself, resume building, and his next, which will be math and study skills.

Henry wrapped up his speech with the friendly note "Have Fun!" He explained the importance of staying focused and setting short and long-term goals but most importantly getting involved and taking advantage of all that Southeast offers.