Ivan Oroczo has been at EC and the First Year Experience program for two semesters and is majoring in architecture .

What made you want to join First Year Experience program?

Being in college was new to me. It helped me out a lot when I didn’t know what to do.

Where did you hear about the program?

Some friends from high school told me about it and how they were going to join it, so figured I would join too.

What sorts of things does the program do?

Besides helping you when you need it, they put you into groups depending on your assessment scores; it’s like a community of people.

When do the people in the program meet?

Since it’s like a community, you have the same classes with the people in the program. So you see them every day or every class meeting.

In your opinion, what do you think stands out about the program the most?

The counselors. Your are assigned to a counselor, so you don’t have to wait. The are really nice and will talk to you and help you out when you need it.

How do the counselors help you throughout the program?

They help you plan out the rest of your time at EC. You have to go to an hour-long session with a counselor and he or she will help you with your major and decide what university you want to transfer to. Next, the counselors help with planning out the rest of the classes that you will have to take in order for you to transfer.

What does the program do on campus?

They have organized karaoke nights and projects around campus that are open to anyone who wants to come and join.

What is your favorite part about being in the First Year Experience program?

Meeting new people. It’s a group of people that you see all the time, so you get to know each other very well. Also it’s one of the best ways to transition from high school to college and it really helps when you first enroll into a new place.

What would you tell people, especially high school seniors, about the program to try and get them interested in joining?

I would tell them to just go to the senior nights, where all seniors from different high schools can come to campus and learn everything about what the First Year Experience program is about.

What perks do you get, as a student, by being in the program?

You get priority registration in your second year at EC as long as you complete the requirements. If you’re going to group discussions, meeting with the counselor both semesters, and then go on a university tour, you get to be first to register.

How many people are in the First Year Experience program?

There are about 200 people in the program.