Maria Del Sol Nunez and Brooke White began their freshman year in college with a summer experience that helped them transition to university life more easily.
It’s called Aggie Jumpstart.
Because of the gap between high school exit requirements and college entrance requirements, many students who believe they are ready for college are surprised to end up in remedial courses. That disconnect can negatively impact their self-confidence.
“I came from a really small town,” said White, now a sophomore genetics and biotechnology major, “I was super nervous about going into college, not only the academic side obviously, but just the confidence to meet new people and make different types of friends.”
The program in the College of Arts and Sciences brings 20 incoming freshmen to live on the New Mexico State University campus for five weeks in the summer. Aggie Jumpstart offers the opportunity for high school students who fit the category of college readiness to get a head-start before their freshman year with a program that provides help not only by polishing their skills in English and math, but also through students living in campus housing, engaging in leadership experiences and team building exercises. They also receive training in study skills and time management.
“Coming into college is quite nerve wracking,” said Del Sol Nunez, a double major in mechanical and aerospace engineering. “This program helped me a lot. I already had friends when college started and they’re still some of my closest friends.”
White and Del Sol Nunez are giving back to the program by becoming Aggie Jumpstart mentors this summer.
“Learning how to be in college before I started college was the best thing for me,” White said. “Living on campus was really, really good. It's a huge step from living with your parents.”
Each day during the program the students gather for various types of coursework. They have a couple of hours of English and math tutoring. At the end of the five weeks, the students will take a placement exam.
“We had a 90% success rate last year,” said program coordinator Amanda Barrier of the Aggie Jumpstart participants’ placement in a higher-level math course. “We want to keep it going. It's not just for College of Arts and Sciences students, it's for everyone.”
While success in placement testing is important, Del Sol Nunez and White say the connections they made with other students and the life skills they learned gave them the confidence to succeed. Now they want to share that knowledge with new incoming freshmen.
“I would really love to keep mentoring for Aggie Jumpstart,” said Del Sol Nunez. “As a former student of this program, it really helped me and I feel that it will definitely help other students.”
The Aggie Jumpstart program is funded by the Dean's fund in the College of Arts and Sciences through fundraisers such as “Night at the Museums,” and “A Starry Night” gala. Learn more about Aggie Jumpstart.
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