Freshmen Celebrate a Successful Semester
Freshmen in Bauer’s ELASP Reflect on Friendships, Achievements and Goals for the Future
Freshmen participating in the C. T. Bauer College of Business Emerging Leaders Academic Success Program (ELASP) took a break from the books to celebrate a successful first semester.
ELASP helps new Bauer College students navigate “Coog Life,” make friends and prepare for academic success. Katie Hernandez, an accounting major, said the program delivered on its mission.
“My favorite part of ELASP was meeting a bunch of people because I was worried about making friends. But thanks to the program, I met this guy!” she said, gesturing to fellow participant Gerardo Iraheta-Martinez.
Iraheta-Martinez shared similar enthusiasm for the program. “I’ve been able to do so much. I’ve been involved, and I was able to learn a lot about things going on in the business college that I may not have known about otherwise,” he said.
Bauer Director for Student Success Whitney Johnson said she enjoyed seeing this class of students thrive.
“The semester has been amazing! It is such an incredible group of students, and it’s always rewarding to see them be part of this program and then take off on their journey,” Johnson said.
Dell Ivy, ELASP program manager for student experience, encourages all students to join the program and take advantage of the resources it provides.
“There are a lot of benefits to being part of ELASP, and I think that any first-year student — especially students who come from backgrounds without much support or who think they won’t have support — should join. ELASP is that support,” Ivy said. “ELASP helps students understand what their true purpose is or what they can accomplish within the college.”
As for what’s next, the ELASP students are focused on continued academic success.
“My goal for next semester is to get all As again, and then I want to help other people the way I’ve been helped here,” Mitchell said.
Iraheta-Martinez said ELASP helped him start thinking about his future now.
“My main goal is to get an internship, but I’m also trying to keep up with my studies and be more involved with other organizations,” he said.
Transfer students looking to get involved with ELASP for Transfers have until January 17 to sign up for the Spring 2025 session.
Built with Shorthand