AACRC Transitions Program

Description

Transitions is a program sponsored by the African American Cultural and Resource Center that supports the acclimation of Black first-year students. The program accomplishes this mission through mentorship, personal/professional development workshops, and bonding activities. 

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Reflection

Transitions was instrumental to the success of my freshman year. Attending a PWI as a Black student has its unique set of challenges, one of them being connecting with your community. With UC's Black student population sitting at less than 8%, I was concerned that I would be ostracized and struggle to find those whom I could identify with. Transitions gave me a family from the first-day of our early-arrival program, which immediately eased my previous concerns. Transitions reaffirmed to me how important it is to surround yourself with people who truly want to see you win. Also, I was invited to reflect often and take note of my academic and personal progress throughout the year. The biggest change I saw was that I no longer depended on academic validation to feel good about myself. I realized I have so much more to contribute besides my intellect. Another focus of Transitions was to teach incoming students about UC's discriminatory history of Black students and how we can use both on and off-campus resources to make UC more welcoming and inclusive.  

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Impact

Now, it's time to pay it forward. Transitions poured so much into me last year, that I am returning this year as a mentor. I will plan workshops, assist the weekly meetings, and build an intimate relationship with my mentees. My hope is that I will positively contribute to the Program's mission by teaching, supporting, and empowering UC's next generation of Black students, just as was done for me.