Major: Mechanical Engineering

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Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

I found college to be very easy my first year. All of my classes were general courses like basic chemistry, calculus and introductory engineering.

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What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

I was never a student who was very involved with academics and actively talking to my professors - I was more focused on sports. However, I noticed just how many mistakes professors can make when grading. For example, I received a 60 on a quiz when I really got a 100. On top of catching grading mistakes, going to your professors office can help you better understand the material and help form professional relationships; I became great friends with my calculus III professor.

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How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

It was hard to stay disciplined and complete all my work. However, many assignments and tests were open notes which helped a lot. All tests were online submissions and either we had 24 hours to complete it or it was zoom proctored by the professor and we had about 2 hours.

 

What did you college do well or poorly to support students and communities when COVID-19 first hit?

My professors did really well communicating with us and were very understanding of the stress we were under. They lightened our work load in some cases and made sure they were always available via zoom or email. Binghamton also gave refunds for anything that may have been paid for in advance.

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Questions about Student Life

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If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

I would definitely join or just attend meetings with an engineering society. It gives you a chance to make friends who share your interests. For example, I was apart of the National Society of Black Engineers. This can allow you to meet people who are in all the same classes as you and help to form early professional relationships. These societies also have conferences and special opportunities that can help you career wise.

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What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

Most people are at college for the degree but I believe having fun is the most important thing. Some weekends students go home but mostly people stay around campus. You will be living with or near all of your friends - it is a great time. Sometimes there are fun campus events like concerts and carnivals but between your friend group you can explore the surrounding town, watch movies, and even plan a weekend trip to another campus.

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Are your involved in athletics at your college? How do you balance sports, academics, and extracurricular activities?

My freshman year I played division 1 soccer and it was a tight schedule between school and sports. You will be the first one awake and the last one asleep in your room if you don’t live with teammates. It can be tough but I recommend taking advantage of team study hours and taking a mid-day nap after practice if possible. It is a lot of work but hopefully you’re playing the sport you love and the balance will come naturally.

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Do you have a job during the school year, or is it common for students to have on-campus jobs? What is that experience like?

I did not necessarily have a job during the school year as I was more focused on sports and academics but I would deliver food from time to time. On-campus jobs at the school gym or library are very common. I had a lot of friends who had those jobs and they seemed to be doing well.

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Extra Questions

 

What advice would you give to current Shen students when applying to your college?

I would say don’t be discouraged if you don’t get in or if your first year doesn’t go well. College in general is a massive transition and I believe everyone changes after their first year.

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What makes your college special to you?

For me, college is all about friends. I transferred from the University at Buffalo to Binghamton University and I met some incredible people. College is a great time and your best friends live within walking distance. Some of my best friends were also the same major as me so we were always together and it really felt like a family.

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What do you wish you knew about your college when you were a senior at Shen?

I wish I knew more about scholarships. It’s tiresome but I definitely recommend applying to every single one you can - it will be worth it.

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Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

I would say join a Facebook group of new students if there is one and talk to people you may want to room with based on their profile. Also, if you know other people from Shen going to the same school it wouldn’t be a bad idea to room with them to make sure you know someone right from the start. However, I would recommend trying to venture out as much as possible so you don’t feel stuck in high school.

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Is there anything else you'd like to share about your college experience that hasn't been addressed yet in this questionnaire?

This isn’t necessarily about my experience but, I would say just try to be as outgoing as possible. Do things that aren’t necessarily in your comfort zone. College is all about the friends you make which will determine your experience. Work hard but also have fun and take care of yourself first. Lastly, don’t be discouraged if you feel like you don’t have your life figured out and it feels like everyone else does. I promise you’re not alone and remember you have nothing but time.