My Experience

Coming to college was a hard transition for me because every step I took would put me in the right or wrong path in my career. This is really what makes you nervous starting off because you're sort of a newbie in the community. One of the first relationships I developed was at West Georgia was between me and this woman who worked in the financial aid office. We got so close and she was so helpful and she basically confirmed my uncertainty about going to West Georgia. That woman was the best connection I ever made; she wrote me recommendation letters for jobs and even connected me with working for the Orientation program. I don't think I would be the person I am today without the connections I have; it just opens up so many doors!!

What Connections Bring

Making connections sometimes result in making supporters. Being that I changed my major twice now, I still have the opportunity to remain in contact with my nursing adviser. She made it clear that even if I wasn't a Nursing major, she would still be supportive of me and wanted me to do something I loved.

Coming into my freshman year I was on scholarship for the Emerge West Leaders Scholarship and by wanting to stay involved in the program for my sophomore year, the coordinator allowed me to take the position as the Lead Mentor and Student Coordinator for the program. This is one of the biggest roles I may have ever held and next semester just gets bigger as I was offered an internship within the same program.

Connections bring you a sense of certainty that you don't ever truly plateau and opportunities will work their way towards you it just takes time. If you asked me when I started school where I'd be in about two years I'd probably say something like " Hopefully getting by well with school, maybe be making some good money" and I couldn't have exceeded my expectations more.

How To Build Connections

When you're wanting to build relationships you really just need to learn how to approach other. The people you choose to connect with could end up being your mentor in the future. I'd also recommend building a relationship with someone that you aspire to be like or that you can take advice from. Don't ever be too shy, just introduce yourself then ask about the other person. You also build a more personal connections that could result in a lifetime friendship that carry its benefits later. Overtime you learn to develop the skills that you saw excel in your mentor and you begin to improve everyday.