ESBA was definitely an experience for me. When I first heard about ESBA through a family friend, I scoffed at the idea of taking time out of my summer to start school early. Yet, I decided to entertain the idea after finding out it could help me with my math, which has been the bane of my scholarly existence since Algebra I. After attending the first meeting and learning how ESBA could benefit me school-wise and financially, I decided that it may be the best action for me to take. And I am glad to have made that decision. After attending ESBA, I feel I have accomplished a lot; I have completed necessary courses for school that would have set me behind later; I have made new friends and colleagues; I have had time to roam and learn the campus; I have learned much of how the college experience will be; I have experienced campus life; and I have learned what the school has to offer! I believe this program is very beneficial to people like me who struggle in mathematics and need that little extra head start or just for anyone who feels the need to get ahead of the game in freshman year. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. I would not mind coming back to help out if I feel my math skills have improved enough. Thank you so much!
--Tiana J.
My experience in ESBA has been great, and the people I have meet made this college experience very memorable. I wasn’t very thrilled to give up my last month of summer just to start school early, especially since I just finished high school and was looking forward to a nice vacation. I can’t speak for anyone else but this really did help me. I got a refresher on my math and also got to get a feel for the college life. My professors are great and to get bond early with them only helped me get through this experience. The program showed me that life is about change and how well you adapt to it. I think I adapted well to the new life experiences that came my way and can scratch some things off my “before I die list.” When I came into this program I wasn’t really happy and was closed minded toward trying new things. Since I have been here I have opened up, meet new friends, tried new things, and actually had to be responsible for myself. The experiences I got from this program have done nothing but better me as a person. I am thankful to my parents for pushing me towards this, because without them I would have never joined. ESBA made the transition from high school to college very smooth. I think all schools should have programs like this because it really is a beneficial program.
--Robert J.
My overall experience with ESBA was absolutely wonderful. At first, I was a little optimistic about giving up the last 4 weeks of my summer to learn math. As I look back on it, it was totally worth it. ESBA brought so many new things into the start of my college life. The first thing that ESBA taught me was how to make new friends. As a college freshman, it can be very intimidating. You're moving into a strange place and with strange people. Since I started ESBA, I've made so many friends! Hopefully, these friendships will last a lifetime.
Another thing that ESBA taught me was to not be afraid to ask questions. Nobody likes to ask questions because they are afraid to look stupid. During my 4 weeks in ESBA, I quickly learned that a lot of people were asking the same questions that I was too afraid to ask.
I just want thank all of the wonderful professors and peer mentors who made this possible. I'm really glad that you spent the last 4 weeks of your summer helping all of us! I would highly recommend this program to anyone. I only have positive things to say about the program and I don't regret starting it!
--Kaitlyn C.
Coming into ESBA I did not know what to expect. I was happily rewarded with a great staff of professors and thirsty group of peers ready to learn. I believe that the ESBA program exceeded my expectations. When doing math now, I do not fear it. I am proud to say that I was part of this year’s program and would happily recommend it. Ms. Nicoly, I want to give you special thanks for doing all the work to get this program up and running. Without you I would be entering the fall still scared of math and not having a clue as to what's going on. But now when the first day of classes start, I will be walking around confident and looking like an established student.
--Alex P.
Coming into ESBA, I was skeptical. I was only there because my dad was making me and so that I wouldn't get too behind in my classes due to my remedial math. Walking up to the circle the first day I said to myself "I don't belong here." I was so wrong. ESBA served as not only a great way to meet people before college, but an awesome academic boost to prepare me for college. I never thought a few hours a day for a few weeks in the summer could make a significant difference, but I was so wrong.
ESBA connected me with the transition assistance I needed from high school to higher learning. I have done more homework and studying since I started ESBA than I did in my entire high school career. I feel as if I'm making something of myself because with the challenge, comes a sense of responsibility. I'm so happy I went through with ESBA. I have gained friendships, knowledge, and a truly positive experience.
--Lynsey K.
My ESBA experience was better than what I thought it would be. I didn’t know what exactly to expect. But I had a feeling it was going to be something I would remember. I’m used to not being the smartest kid in class, so coming to the program to get “extra help” didn’t sound so great to me. I wasn’t sure if the program would help or if the people would be nice. But I figured I would try it out anyway. Once I started the program I realized that entering the program was a really good decision. I loved the one-on-one attention the peer leaders gave and the extra time we had to work on assignments. Instead of being a procrastinator on my studies, I found myself wanting to complete my homework and pay attention in class. It helped me learn the campus and get to know a lot of good people. The program was one of the better choices I’ve made this summer and I would recommend it to everyone
--Tiffany M.
My first thought after learning that I'd have to be in ESBA was "well, there goes my summer." And I was right, part of my summer was consumed by the ESBA program. But ESBA is one of the best choices I have made for myself, socially and academically. Socially, because I had so many friends going to the college experience. Seeing familiar ESBA faces around campus made the transition so much easier! Academically because I have never understood math thoroughly, I just learn to pass the test. Through ESBA I actually learn, understand and apply the material — not just for the test, but for down the road too. I've never made an "A" on a math test, honestly. That is until ESBA. I've made "A's" on every test so far!
--Cates, M.
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