The experience that helped me transition into my first semester of college.
This fall, I started my first semester at UW-Madison as a freshman. However, my experience really started back in June during UW’s registration program: SOAR. It was here where I made the decision to join a First-Year Interest Groups, or a FIG. A FIG is a group of three classes that the same group of freshman students take together throughout the first semester. When making this decision, I didn’t think much of it, it was just three random classes… what difference could they make? Now, I know I was wrong. I don’t want to be dramatic, but being in this FIG this semester has changed my college experience and maybe even my life.
UW-Madison is one of few schools that offer the unique FIG program. According to their website, “The purpose of the FIGs Program is to help new first-year students make a successful academic and social transition into the university”. This demonstrates the purpose of the FIG: to make UW’s large campus feel a little smaller. In choosing a FIG, students can choose from a variety of programs based on an interest or their major. Another unique opportunity the FIG gives students is to have one or two small seminar classes, something typically not offered to freshmen. In my experience, I had 1 big lecture hall, 1 smaller class with some students outside the FIG group, and 1 very small class with just students from the FIG. Each of these classes are all very collaborative and have allowed me to build true friendships with some of my FIG cohorts.
When I first heard of FIGs, I was against them. I am from a small town, so all I wanted to do was be in big lecture halls and be unrecognized. I thought a FIG would be too much like high school, so I strayed away from the idea. With some twist of fate, on registration day, my advisor told me taking a FIG might be a good idea. Being an education major, I decided to take one called “Taking Education Out of School”. My classes include a psychology class focused on human flourishing, an education policy class, and an informal education class. The small environment has allowed me to get to know my teachers. Each of these classes are very interesting, but I believe the biggest impact the FIG program has had on me is the friendships I have made.
Instead of not recognizing anyone in my classes, I know everyone’s names and they know mine as well. I have also made a few close friends within my FIG, which has changed my college experience beyond what I could imagine. When I arrived on campus, I was nervous I would never meet any friends that would go beyond talking nicely in class. I am happy to say that because of the FIG, I have defied my expectations. I have made friends that I hope will last me a lifetime! I do not think this connection would have been possible without the FIG program pushing us together. It is so nice to have friends in class to bounce ideas off of and do projects with, but be friends outside of class too!
If I could recommend one thing to incoming freshmen, it would be to take a FIG. This program has helped me beyond I could imagine and has helped me transition into being a college student.