My Experience with the College Advisors

As I sit at the first lecture of my Intro to Data Science class I realize a wonderful thing about the College. Somehow, maybe by magic, my classes all compliment each other. However, this is no magic, rather a mix of great academic guidance.

In the College, you will have three different kinds of advisors throughout your academic career. One is the peer advisor; an upperclassman who helps you figure out where your classes are, advises you on which classes to take, as well as gives you survival tips (for example, what the best way to arrange your classes in PennInTouch is). The second is the Academic Advisor. These are advisors in the College Office who aid you in exploring possible majors. The third is the Major Advisor, which you get when you (surprise) choose a major. 

Fresh out of High School, I was completely baffled as to what I wanted to do in my time at the College. Luckily, I put time and effort into building a strong relationship with my Academic Advisor, so he could get to know me, my skills, and my potential career interests. Doing that allowed me to have a solid start to my career and academic path.

Now, looking back at my transcript, I remember the way each class complemented and balanced each other out. The knowledge I gained from my Modern Latin American History class prepared me for in-depth discussions on my U.S Intervention in Latin America class. My Intro to Psychology class facilitated my understanding of addiction, which we dove into at my Addiction: Understanding How We Get Hooked and How We Recover class. Now, as a junior, I realize that my Major Advisor’s advice on taking a language course, along with a data science course allows me to challenge myself and think in different ways.

I am thankful the College provided me with these awesome advisors, who have played a key role in my search for my passions and interests.

- Majo R.