Major: ​Mathematics

Hometown: Cresskill, NJ

Favorite FYES or Drexel memory/experience:
I really enjoyed the value and personality activities that we did. I feel that it helped me learn more about myself and it eventually influenced my decision in choosing my major.

Advice to FYES students:
Don’t be afraid of taking your time to choose your major, especially in your first year. There is so much out there, and you may need some more time to discover the right one. While Drexel may require you to choose right away, your advisors will always work with you to make sure that you have the flexibility to switch without falling behind.

Favorite FYES or Drexel memory/experience:
College is the place to explore and take classes that are of interest to you. I try not to limit myself to strictly science courses or courses required for my major. For instance, I am also a legal studies minor, and I found that taking these courses has made my experience at Drexel much more enjoyable.

Advice to FYES students:
My best advice to incoming and current FYES students is to not feel overwhelmed if you do not have a major. Being undecided or switching majors in college is common, so do not be discouraged. Take advantage of all the opportunities you have in your first year because they may lead to new academic interests and could be wonderful networking opportunities.

Komal Kaur

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Sophia Mattia

Major: Undeclared, exploring Biological Sciences

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

What made you choose FYES?
When I applied to Drexel I was not confident in the major that I applied as and I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do. Before I started my freshman year I found FYES and thought it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to explore all of my interests and rule things in or out for my academic path.

Advice to FYES students:
Through FYES I've learned that whatever major I choose can lead me to many different paths and careers in life, so while I should choose a major I like, I shouldn't get so hung up on the career part of it all because I could end up doing something totally unrelated. I also realized that not everyone has their life figured out, which was the impression I had been getting all my life, so it was nice to see other students who were undecided in their major and hear about their exploratory experiences as well.

> Read more about Sophia

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Gabe Murray (he/him/his)

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Hometown: Bethesda, MD

Favorite FYES or Drexel memory/experience:
My favorite memory from FYES was when we took the Dragon Shuttle into Center City to go ice skating at Dilworth Park. We all had a blast skating for hours at such an iconic place in the middle of the city. I was a great way to de-stress, get to know people, and get into the holiday spirit.

Advice to FYES students:
My advice to incoming/current FYES students is to be as active as you can in looking at different prospective majors. Talking to your professors, advisors, other students, and maybe even sitting in on a class (with permission) are great ways to get a better idea if that major is something you want to pursue. I would also say that FYES is truly a big family and everyone is a resource, so reach out if you need help or even just want to talk. The more you participate in FYES the more you will get out of the program and the more fun you will have (there are tons of fun activities that FYES facilitates).

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Mahdi Nafi (he/him/his)

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Favorite FYES or Drexel memory/experience:
The Schuylkill River tour was my first boat ride in the United States and the first FYES event that I attended in person during the Fall term of 2021. The views of the horizon were pleasant, and the weather was perfect, a harmonious blend of wind and sunshine which made the experience worthwhile, especially after a tiring week of classes. I even made a new friend!     

Advice to FYES students:
Make sure not to fall behind in the first week of classes. It can be very difficult/stressful to catch up afterward because of the fast pace. When you’re struggling with a class, go to office hours or tutoring sessions consistently. If you need an extension on some assignment and have a good reason for it, email your professors because they may be able to do so. I have done it myself several times. If you’re commuting, definitely consider living on campus at some point. Traveling can tire you out and make it difficult to complete work efficiently.

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Karishma Patel (she/her/hers)

Major: Biology

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Favorite FYES or Drexel memory/experience:
My favorite FYES experience was when we explored the Art Museum with our peer mentors. I felt as if we were able to connect with our peer mentors more, especially since it was outside of a university setting.

Advice to FYES students:
When I attended events during Welcome Week, most upper classmen told us that the 10-week term goes by in a blink of an eye. However, I never really took it seriously until I experienced it. During this journey, the one thing that I learned and wish to tell incoming students is to communicate with professors and peers and reach out to them when you need help.

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Inara Pirani (she/her/hers)

Major: Undeclared, exploring Finance, Accounting and Math

Favorite FYES or Drexel memory/experience:
Visiting the Academy of Natural Sciences during Welcome Week!

Advice to FYES students:
Remember that college is a big adjustment! You don't have to push yourself to do everything your first quarter. It's ok to be worried, scared or homesick. You'll make mistakes during your first year, and that's normal. You're not alone in college and you should never feel that way. Use the resources of the FYE program - you have wonderful staff and faculty who are so friendly and eager to help. They will be a great support system for you.

 

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Matt Plesco (he/him/his)

Major: History and Business Analytics

Hometown: Harrisburg, PA

Favorite FYES or Drexel memory/experience:
I loved the University 101 class. The assignments didn't feel like schoolwork, they were more fun and interesting activities that helped me get acquainted to Drexel. For example, I had to do a scavenger hunt where we had to find different buildings and offices on the campus that might be of use to us in the future. The small class size of University 101 allowed me the opportunity to become good friends with some of my classmates.

Advice to FYES students:
Don't be afraid to be yourself when you start. Everybody is in the same spot as you and feeling the same nerves you are when you first start. Drexel is fast-paced and it will take a couple of quarters to get used to how fast it is. With that, keep up on your work but also remember to try to enjoy the college experience too. It is okay to not know what you want to study and this program will be a great help in figuring it out. I look forward to meeting you and feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

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Julianna Rudnick (she/her/hers)

Major: Global Studies with a Concentration in Global Justice and Human Rights - I am also minoring in Spanish and Communication

Hometown: Chestnut Hill,PA

Favorite FYES or Drexel memory/experience:
My favorite FYES memory is attending the social events that the program plans. My favorite events were painting with a twist night and bowling at Lucky Strikes. At these events, I was able to meet so many people who have become close friends of mine!

Advice to FYES students:
Take advantage of all opportunities and events happening on campus and around Philadelphia. Drexel, as well as the city, has so many interesting, educational, and exciting events available for students! Attending these conferences, summits, concerts, panels, trips, or gatherings will help you discover your passions. College is a time not just to learn and explore inside the classroom, but to also acquire knowledge and fulfillment through unique experiences you seek on your own.

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Corrinne Snyder

Major: Psychology, minors in Spanish and Neuroscience

Hometown: Reading, PA

What made you choose FYES?
I was recommended by another advisor to check it out because I was unsure of what path to take when I first got to Drexel.

Advice to FYES students:
FYES taught me that it's okay to not be sure of yourself right away and that there is plenty of time to explore and figure out the right fit for you. The program also gave me a wonderful support system and showed me that the Drexel community is so welcoming and accommodating.

> Read more about Corrinne

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Carey Talbot-Sanders (she/her/hers)

Major: Hospitality Management

Hometown: Clarksville, MD

Favorite FYES or Drexel memory/experience:
My favorite FYES experience would probably be attending the Food & Hospitality Management Academic Department Panel because they had provided breakfast; their chocolate croissants (and regular croissants) are absolutely amazing! We were also able to engage with and ask questions to the chefs and professors, which was helpful in determining whether or not this major was for us.

Advice to FYES students:
Relax and live every day as if it's your first - experience new things, create good habits, love life, enjoy the little things, and live in the moment. It's okay if you don't know what your future holds; you'll figure it out eventually. Don't stress over the future - things change over time. Sometimes in seconds and sometimes over the timespan of a year. As long as you don't give up on yourself, you'll be okay.

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Martha Victoria

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Grace Zaborski (she/her/hers)

Major: Environmental Studies and Sustainability, Minor in Politics

Hometown: Boston, MA

Favorite FYES or Drexel memory/experience:
Taking quizzes with friends in FYE 102 to help determine what major would fit us best. It was really fun to joke around about some of the stranger results, but there were also a few results that we found to actually align with our interests.

Advice to FYES students:
Don't be afraid to try classes in things you have never studied before! Learning what you dislike is sometimes just as valuable as learning what you love, and taking a risk to try something new could be worth it. Even if it isn't something you want to study, at least you have learned from that experience and can move forward. Also, do not be afraid to meet with your advisors and visit professors' office hours, they are here to help you on your academic journey!

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Boni Zhang

Major: Was a Software Engineering major but recently changed to Custom-Design Major

Hometown: Born in New York, NY but grew up in Philadelphia, PA

What made you choose FYES?
Had a lot of things that I was interested so I wasn't sure what I want to major in or see myself doing in the future.

Advice to FYES students:
Don't rush yourself into making a decision and really take you time. Talking to older grade level students helped a lot. Even if you didn't think that you won't major in that field, still try to take a vast field of courses.

> Read more about Boni

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Mia Zlupko

Major: Was a Software Engineering major but recently changed to Custom-Design Major

Hometown: Altoona, PA

What made you choose FYES?
Going into college, I was still very unsure of my career path. As someone who has an ongoing list of diverse interests, I felt pulled in many different (emphasis on different) directions. Once I heard about the FYES program, I felt a lot more at ease and optimistic about figuring out what it was that I really wanted to do in life.

Advice to FYES students:
It's COMPLETELY okay to not have everything in your life figured out yet! There is no need to feel pressured as a freshman in college to know exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life. You are still young and have so much yet to experience in life.

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