03/13/2026
Hello, my name is Toe and I am a Student Success Mentor and alumni at LaGuardia Community College. My first-year experience at LaGuardia was all over the place but looking back, it shaped me in ways I truly value now. Being an immigrant and moving to NYC at 19, everything was not easy for me. I had some difficult time to immerse myself in new environment and make everything from the beginning at school. I decided to challenge myself to open opportunities and experiences. I got to know myself and developed confidence, skills, and a strong sense of direction. At the beginning of my first semester, socializing felt challenging for me. As I slowly began talking with my classmates, I realized we had a lot in common. Having people to chat with at school made me feel more comfortable and included. The more connections I built, the more opportunities seemed to come my way.
My advice to first-year students is to step out of your comfort zone and stay open to new experiences, even if they feel intimidating at first, because that is often where the most growth happens. Make use of campus resources such as tutoring centers, advisors, and career services early on instead of waiting until you are overwhelmed, and try to manage your time wisely by keeping track of deadlines and balancing school with your personal life. Most importantly, be patient with yourself as adjusting to college takes time, and every small effort you make contributes to your confidence, skills, and overall personal growth.