Make Sure You Can Always Breathe

by Alexa Yanar, Emory University

Let’s talk about the narrative of “resilience” that is spoken of as the prized possession that happens when first-gen/low income students are put through elite institutions. I went to a dinner the other day that my university was hosting, and it invited FLI students,...

Expectations v. Reality – After 1st Semester

by Jorge Álvarez, Carnegie Mellon University , '23

My first semester was fun in some ways and not fun in others. Although the enjoyment and awe of Orientation had finally run out, I spent tons of my time outside of class chatting and meeting new people. In order to save my meal blocks and my DinExtra (Dinex), I...

It’s the Final Countdown! Finals Edition

by Jorge Álvarez, Carnegie Mellon University , '23

At CMU, the semester ends on a Friday. That day Activities Board, the only student-led campus organization that holds campus wide events hosts the semesterly extravaganza called End of the Semester. The campus basketball gym, Wiegand Gym, becomes a hub for fun! And...

There’s No Place Like Home

by Gia

Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays! – but, what exactly makes up a “home”? Is it the place where your family is? The place you feel most comfortable or safest? Is it the place where you share a lot of laughs? Everyone has a different definition...

Successful Tips For Stress Free Finals!

by Yessica Flores

Let’s talk about final exams. This word that can generate fear, nervousness, stress, and anxiety. I have experienced all of these feelings before during finals week. Having just completed another set of finals, I would like to share some tips that have helped me get...

Starting Over

by Andrea Haerther, University of Houston, '19

As the semester comes to a close, I wanted to take some time to discuss some of the things I’ve had going on. It has been a difficult year as I’ve had some health issues that have permitted me from putting my all into my schoolwork. I’ve spent the...