Oscar Chun

FYSEP: Falling Into my First Year

My journey to Dartmouth was slightly unconventional—I, and about eighty other '28s, moved into the McLaughlin Cluster three weeks before orientation for FYSEP. It was hard to leave home so early, but I feel that those three weeks have been instrumental to my Dartmouth experience.

The First-Year Student Enrichment Program (FYSEP), is a pre-orientation program hosted by the First Generation Office, designed to help first generation, low-income (FGLI) students adjust to life at Dartmouth. Students experience a simulated Dartmouth term through classes, homework, activities, and exploring campus. 

A major emphasis of the program was that every kind of student belongs at Dartmouth. But many of us, especially historically underrepresented groups in college, need extra support—academically, socially, and mentally. So throughout FYSEP, we were exposed to all sorts of student resources: the Academic Skills Center, the Center for Professional Development, and the Student Wellness Center just to name a few. Personally, I was guilty of not using my resources in high school—even when I needed help. But because of FYSEP, I've found myself being more comfortable with signing up for tutoring sessions at the Writing Center, going to my professors' office hours, and reaching out to upper-level students for help. 

A 2nd floor group photo with Professor Campbell, who taught us CS in our STEM class. Can you spot another PPP blogger, Tao, in this photo?

Besides simulating academic life, FYSEP hosted all sorts of activities ranging from movie nights, to volleyball tournaments, and making pizza at the O-Farm (O-Farm post coming soon!). Our schedules were packed with all kinds of fun things to do—often too many. One of the earliest lessons I learned was that you can't do everything at once. It was tempting to fill my day painting tote bags and playing poker, but I still had to make time to do laundry and homework. It was a lesson well learned, as orientation and my first term have thrown me into the deep end with balancing my academics, social life, and wellness.

Plenty of dance parties included!

As I look back, the best part of FYSEP will always be the community. In those three short weeks, we worked on calculus, went to late night, and won floor Olympics together (second floor, best floor!!), forming inseparable bonds across our cohort. Many of the people at FYSEP continue to be some of my closest friends at Dartmouth. In fact, I'm writing this post after celebrating birthdays for two FYSEP students. 

I'm so thankful to Jay Davis, the FGO Director; Janice Williams, the FGO Assistant Director; Diane Cammarata, the FGO Program Director; and all the FYSEP alumni who helped make this experience possible. Coming to Dartmouth, I had so many questions—Will I fit in? Am I going to flop? And what on earth is a "Woccom?" (note: it's a walk around Occom Pond). I still have yet to find answers to many of those questions, but I'm confident that FYSEP has equipped me with the skills, resources, and community to conquer them. 

Writer's Note: There are a few FYSEP alumni on the PPP team! Read about Dezstany '28's experience at FYSEP (and look at her cute collage) here :).