Student Voices: What WSSU freshmen should know

Later this month, Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) will welcome more than 950 freshmen to campus. For many students, the transition from being a high school senior to a freshman in college can be huge.

To help the Class of 2021 prepare, we asked WSSU upperclassmen for tips.

Jerel Smith

About: Smith is a senior mass communications major and the 2017-18 Mr. WSSU.

• Tip 1: Enter this institution wanting and willing to be all that they can be, no matter what you look like or where you come from. Most importantly, keep God first along the entire way.
• Tip 2: Do not lose your Ram card.
• Tip 3: There will be times during this four-year journey that will be hard, whether it be personally or academically. Do not feel that you are in it alone. With facilities such as the wellness center, you can be assisted with personal health that may be from stress and or sickness. If you are being challenged academically, I would encourage going to Hill Hall to utilize the quantitative learning center, the writing center and academic advisors. 

Jordan Reaves

About: Reaves is a senior majoring in business administration and the 2017-18 Miss WSSU.

• Tip 1: Always stay true to yourself, and to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself to you.
• Tip 2: Keep God first, and let these next four years be a time for growth, and the chance to push yourself beyond measures. You never know the blessings you’ll get out of it, or the positive impact you could have on others.

Javonty Hunter

About: Hunter, a senior business administration major, is the 2017-18 Student Government Association president.

• Tip 1: Find an upperclassman friend/mentor who’s within the same area of study that you wish to pursue. Having that mentor/friend will be of benefit toward your academic endeavors as well as your social experience by keeping you updated and informed of on-campus as well as off-campus events.
• Tip 2: Go to the caf’ [dining hall] as much as possible. Save your declining balance as much as you can because you will blow it fast if you’re not careful. Do not spend unnecessary money on food from outside sources if you have an alternate option, save your money!
• Tip 3: Have a physical copy of all of your course agendas. Your professors will follow the agendas faithfully. A lot of assignments may come up unannounced, but it was on your agenda.

Crystal Goldson

About: Goldson is a junior nursing major.

• Tip 1: No matter the situation, never change yourself.
• Tip 2: Get out and become a part of the university by joining an organization.
• Tip 3: Get a planner or some type of booklet to organize everything.

Chantell Huell

About: Huell is a junior mass communications major. This summer, HBCU Buzz named her one of the top HBCU student YouTubers.

• Tip 1: “Don’t come to class in heels. It’s not that deep and not that serious … you want to come to class comfortable and not with your feet hurting.”
• Tip 2: Network (make friends inside class). You’re really going to need a friend to help you through it.
• Tip 3: Keep a small circle of friends and keep your business to yourself. 

Aja Grant

About: Grant, a senior exercise science major, is the 2017-18 Miss 1892.

• Tip 1: Stay true to yourself. Don't feel pressured to change or be someone you are not.
• Tip 2: Remember that you are here for academics first. It's way harder to bring your GPA up later on than it is to let it drop.
• Tip 3: Use your resources in Hill Hall; they want you to succeed.