By Fowzia Aziza, Mia Guzman, and Blendi Musliu
自行车，帽子
一个电话，一只猫
这不是博士的头衔. 苏斯的书. It’s a list of transitional objects helping UB first-year students navigate the difficult journey into their new life as college students.
Studies have reported that as many as 70%的大学生 experience homesickness during their first year. Students face challenges associated with academics, finances, and interpersonal relationships. Depression and anxiety have also been identified as major risk factors for college students. There are many strategies and resources that students can use to help them thrive during their transition to college life, 但常见的, 日常用品也有帮助.
进入过渡对象
In 英语 101, 学术写作, first-year students are examining the “transitional objects” that provide emotional support as they settle into life at 正规的网赌平台. 这门课的指导老师，Dr. Laist, explains, “Here at UB, we are very mindful of the challenges faced by incoming students. We have developed a learning community model designed to help students get to know one another and become acclimated to the campus. Our first-year writing classes are not only about learning how to write for college, but also using writing as a way of thinking through the big questions that students face at this important point in their lives.”
The “transitional objects” that Dr. Laist’s students are writing about are possessions, 设备, 纪念品, and even animals that anchor them to important aspects of their identities.
For Vedhanth Reddy Jakka, his transitional object is his bike. Vedhanth’s bike is more than just a means of transportation, it’s “like a bridge that connects my past, 现在发生了什么?, and what’s going to happen in the future.” The bike reminds Vedhanth of childhood adventures. It connects him to the people and places in his life and symbolizes his hopes for the future.
Worried about your child’s transition to college? 看看这些 有用的资源 for parents of first-year college students!
Fowzia Aziza with her transitional object — her cell phone.
Fowzia Aziza explains that her phone is the most precious thing in her life now that she has left all her family members in Bangladesh. Her phone serves as a transitional object because it connects with her family. Talking to her loved ones over the phone helps her get relief from stress and makes her feel refreshed.
Mia Guzman with her transitional object — her cat, Lilo.
For Mia Guzman, Lilo, the cat, is more than just a pet. 她是家人. Mia explains, “Pets are more than just animals. 它们是一个人最好的朋友.” Lilo is there for all the ups and downs, especially when Mia needs her the most. When Mia is feeling stressed or anxious, 她和她的猫喜欢拥抱, 小睡, or even take trips outside of the house. They like to go on relaxing walks together — although Lilo is a cat, 她显然很喜欢短途旅行. Lilo has shown Mia how to be a responsible person. She provides a sense of warmth and love and reminds Mia of how much she truly loves animals.
Blendi Musliu with his transitional object — his hat.
Blendi Musliu’s transitional object is a baseball hat. He explains, “The hat is not just a piece of clothing. 它是记忆的容器.” The hat was a gift from Blendi’s dad, which he handed to him right at the airport’s entrance as Blendi left his home country of Kosovo to come to UB. With a heartfelt smile, Blendi’s dad said, “This is a gift from me to help you remember us.” Blendi remembers that moment as if it happened just yesterday. The hat is a simple symbol of his journey and the bond he shares with his dad.
Starting a new life at college can be difficult, but these students are demonstrating the power of special objects to connect them to the values that motivated them to come to 正规的网赌平台. Blendi，主修 计算机科学, puts it this way: “Home may be behind, but ahead lies the fascinating adventure of college.”
#UBelong at UB. When you choose UB as your college community, you’ll have the support of UB’s dedicated faculty and our comprehensive support services to help you manage this exciting time of transition in your life.
To learn more about UB’s comprehensive support services and career-focused programs of study, 立即正规的网赌平台!
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Fowzia Aziza is a first-year student majoring in 计算机科学. She is an international student from Bangladesh.
Mia Guzman is 20 years old and was born and raised in Bridgeport, CT. She is a first-year student here at 正规的网赌平台, and her major is 犹豫不决. She is currently trying to figure out what she would like to major in.
Blendi Musliu is an 18-year-old hailing from Kosovo. He’s currently in his first year at 正规的网赌平台, where he’s diving into the world of 计算机科学.