“ASPIRE was the perfect program for an undecided freshman who likes to plan ahead and know what to expect,” said first-year Nicole Gilliland. An innovative program keeps new students on track during the shift to remote learning.

“I met with some of the kids today and I just could not see myself doing anything different,” said Valerie Romero. When the pandemic interrupted student teaching, Romero and fellow science outreach students led tutoring activities at local elementary schools. 

Follow a typical day for senior Grace Oram as she studies the impact of urbanization on native wildlife. “I love understanding the world around me,” she said. “Biology combines my interests in anatomy and disease with my love for nature.”

Julia Dorf couldn’t find the right app to help her study – so the F&M first-year created her own at a hackathon-style event hosted by F&M. This new initiative helps students connect the dots between entrepreneurship and a liberal arts education.

The F&M DipCares team provides support and guidance during times of student distress. “We reach out to the student within an hour or so of getting a referral,” said Susan Knoll, care coordinator.

What’s the one thing F&M first-generation students say they struggled with most in their first semester? Six students share their honest experiences of how the College is helping them succeed.