California State University Northridge Athletics
CSUN Summer Success Blog - Entry #1
7/27/2020 9:59:00 AM | Women's Soccer
The seventh annual CSUN Student-Athlete Summer Success Program kicked off Tuesday, July 7th as 22 Matador rookies were officially introduced to life as student-athletes.
Since 2014, the Summer Success Program has helped acclimate new Matadors to CSUN through six weeks of individualized academic support and life skills workshops. In previous years, first-year student-athletes spent plenty of time on campus in addition to getting the know the greater CSUN community. Due to COVID-19, this year's workshop was shifted online with virtual academic support and workshops. Students have weekly virtual team-building sessions to create community and are also taking the UNIV 100 class fully online.
The first in a series of Summer Success Program blogs was written by Rachelle Espitia of the CSUNÂ Women's Soccer team.
Â
The MAC Summer Success Program has many qualities that are in the best interest of the students who participate. In my experience so far, this program has focused on time management, responsibility, accountability, sustainability, providing resources and support. There is also lots of bonding allowing students to interact with the staff and each other. By doing this we are all able to create friendships with others who are figuratively in the same boat.Â
Â
With COVID-19Â being the biggest challenge of 2020, adapting to this change in every aspect of our lives is an obstacle we have all faced. This program has allowed me and others to get as close to normal as we possibly can. I am grateful to this program for preparing me for what is to come in the fall semester. The staff works very well with all the student-athletes in this program, accommodating to our individual needs and is very understanding with differing schedules.
Twice a week, we meet via Zoom to collaborate and catch up with each other. During this tough time, it is important that we know we are not in it alone and the staff and students of CSUN are addressing this situation very well. We are given assignments that benefit us in the long run, while also teaching us something new. We are able to hear from alumni students and other staff members who are here to help us along the way and be a guide to our future at CSUN. They give excellent advice and are always open to any questions or concerns we may have.
Â
Once COVID began, I didn't see the transition to college life going smoothly in any way. I had figured that since we can't physically attend the school that I would be all on my own as a first-generation college student-athlete who has never been in this situation before. However, with the Summer Success Program, I could not possibly feel more comfortable and prepared with where I am in the process. Our Friday workshops consist of activities we participate in to learn more about each other which I personally believe makes a huge impact in providing a more comfortable setting with everyone.Â
Â
Participating in this program online, although tricky at times, has allowed us to become more familiar with all online resources we will be using during our time here at CSUN. Being able to see everyone each morning and introducing ourselves to each other as well as the staff has been a unique experience. We, as students, are able to familiarize ourselves with all the resources and support options that CSUN has to offer via Zoom call.Â
Â
Engaging in activities that help us learn more about each other is one thing, but we are also given the privilege of being able to understand ourselves in a manner that I never have been able to before. This program has already created an unbelievable impact in my life and for others, I'm sure as well and I am eager to continue on with the process.
#UniteTheValley
Since 2014, the Summer Success Program has helped acclimate new Matadors to CSUN through six weeks of individualized academic support and life skills workshops. In previous years, first-year student-athletes spent plenty of time on campus in addition to getting the know the greater CSUN community. Due to COVID-19, this year's workshop was shifted online with virtual academic support and workshops. Students have weekly virtual team-building sessions to create community and are also taking the UNIV 100 class fully online.
The first in a series of Summer Success Program blogs was written by Rachelle Espitia of the CSUNÂ Women's Soccer team.
Â
The MAC Summer Success Program has many qualities that are in the best interest of the students who participate. In my experience so far, this program has focused on time management, responsibility, accountability, sustainability, providing resources and support. There is also lots of bonding allowing students to interact with the staff and each other. By doing this we are all able to create friendships with others who are figuratively in the same boat.Â
Â
With COVID-19Â being the biggest challenge of 2020, adapting to this change in every aspect of our lives is an obstacle we have all faced. This program has allowed me and others to get as close to normal as we possibly can. I am grateful to this program for preparing me for what is to come in the fall semester. The staff works very well with all the student-athletes in this program, accommodating to our individual needs and is very understanding with differing schedules.
Twice a week, we meet via Zoom to collaborate and catch up with each other. During this tough time, it is important that we know we are not in it alone and the staff and students of CSUN are addressing this situation very well. We are given assignments that benefit us in the long run, while also teaching us something new. We are able to hear from alumni students and other staff members who are here to help us along the way and be a guide to our future at CSUN. They give excellent advice and are always open to any questions or concerns we may have.
Â
Once COVID began, I didn't see the transition to college life going smoothly in any way. I had figured that since we can't physically attend the school that I would be all on my own as a first-generation college student-athlete who has never been in this situation before. However, with the Summer Success Program, I could not possibly feel more comfortable and prepared with where I am in the process. Our Friday workshops consist of activities we participate in to learn more about each other which I personally believe makes a huge impact in providing a more comfortable setting with everyone.Â
Â
Participating in this program online, although tricky at times, has allowed us to become more familiar with all online resources we will be using during our time here at CSUN. Being able to see everyone each morning and introducing ourselves to each other as well as the staff has been a unique experience. We, as students, are able to familiarize ourselves with all the resources and support options that CSUN has to offer via Zoom call.Â
Â
Engaging in activities that help us learn more about each other is one thing, but we are also given the privilege of being able to understand ourselves in a manner that I never have been able to before. This program has already created an unbelievable impact in my life and for others, I'm sure as well and I am eager to continue on with the process.
#UniteTheValley
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F/MF
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