Meet Kaitlyn
Name: Kaitlyn Flynn
Hometown: Round Rock, Texas
Major: Psychology
Minor: Education
Classification: Sophomore
Expected graduation: May 2010
“Welcome to the University of Texas, This is a Great Place to Be”
The University of Texas has so much to offer its students; other institutions just don’t compare. Aside from being located in Austin, which has so many interesting things to do, the campus is always busy with organizations, rallies, and events. At orientation, you hear so many people say “Welcome to the University of Texas, this is a great place to be.” After spending just a short amount of time on campus, you realize they aren’t lying – this university really is a wonderful place.
Summer Freshman Class: The Best Thing To Happen to Me
I think being admitted to the Summer Freshman Class was the best thing that could have happened to me, in terms of my college career. Taking summer classes let me get used to the college atmosphere, without all the activities that the fall brings, and helped me adjust my studying from high school to the college level.
At first, I was upset, because I didn’t want to spend my summer in school, but after a while I was just happy that I had gotten in to UT because it was my first choice school.
Benefits of Summer Freshman Class
Getting to know the university before thousands arrive
One of the benefits of being a part of the Summer Freshman Class was having the opportunity to get acquainted with the campus before the thousands of students arrived. By the time the fall semester rolled around, I already knew my way around campus, which made me feel confident on the first day of class in the fall. I enjoyed the Summer Freshman Class because I got 9 hours of class out of the way, which put me on track to graduate in three years.
Summer classes are very laid back
The classes I took over the summer were very laid back. I took Introduction to Psychology, and it was a relatively small class, so I got to know my peers. Because the classes I took over the summer were significantly smaller than my classes during the fall and spring semesters, I felt a sense of community in them. Campus is a good bit less crowded during the summer.
Small class sizes lead to better professor student relationships
I got to know my Summer Freshman Class professors well because the class sizes were small, compared to fall class sizes. My relationship with my professors from the summer was beneficial when I applied for a job on campus, and I needed two UT faculty or staff recommendations. I had no hesitations about going to my summer professors to ask for a recommendation. They willingly filled out the forms, and I got the job!
Three-day weekends
With my particular class schedule, I only had class Monday through Thursday, so I had three-day weekends, which gave me plenty of time to enjoy my summer while taking classes.
Ahead of the Game
I really enjoyed starting in the summer, because it was quieter, and there wasn’t much to distract me from my studies, so I made good grades during the summer. Taking 9 hours of classes put me ahead of the game because I was classified as a sophomore during my first fall semester. Not to mention, my parents were excited when they found out they only had to pay for three years of college!
Summer Freshman Class vs. Other Universities
I had been accepted to [two other universities in Texas], but I couldn’t stand the thought of leaving Austin. So I decided to enroll for the Summer Freshman Class because it would be worth going to school for the summer, if it meant I got to stay in Austin and attend the University of Texas.
Kaitlyn’s Advice
How to be a successful student
Form a relationship with your professors and your T.A.’s (teaching assistants). They are the ones that can tell you the most about the class, and they like to see involved students.
Living on campus
I live on campus, which I would recommend for every incoming freshman. Living on campus gives you freedom, while still providing help when you need it. The R.A.’s (resident assistants) are very useful and help make your first few months away from home fun. Living in a dorm is also a great way to get involved and meet people.
Parking/transportation around campus
Never park where you’re not supposed to; you will get a ticket. The Parking and Transportation employees are quick to spot a car in the wrong place.
My Calling in Life: Helping Others
I chose to major in Psychology because I have spent a lot of time volunteering and helping people, and I believe it is my calling in life to help others.
I have gotten involved with the UT Learning Center, working as a Peer Academic Coach, which has helped me make great friends, as well as benefit me as a student. Through my work with the learning center, my own study habits have improved, while at the same time, I have helped others. It is important to get involved, and find your niche on campus, because it is easy to get lost among the 50,000 other students. Finding your organization, athletic team, or spirit club, is an excellent way to get involved and become an active student.
Kaitlyn’s…
Scholarships
- Nick Cavanaugh Foundation Scholarship
- Majestic Booster Club Scholarship
Clubs & Organizations
- UT Learning Center (Peer Academic Coach)
- FIG (Mentor)
- Texas Ballroom (Member)
Favorites
- Class: Interpersonal Communication Theory with Professor Dr. John Daly
- Professor: Dr. John A. Daly
- Thing about Austin: the live music
Best unexpected thing that happened
I’ve met my new best friends!
Biggest challenge
Learning to share a dorm room with a roommate.
Fascinating or challenging experience you look forward to
I’m looking forward to next fall, when I will be a FIG mentor for the incoming freshman. I will be in charge of planning a one-hour seminar each week, and helping my students adjust to life at the university. It will be a challenge, but it will also help me grow as a student.
Send Kaitlyn an e-mail at kflynn89@mail.utexas.edu.