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Fatima Fleming

FYES peer mentor Fatima FlemingHometown: Philadelphia, PA

Hobbies: Playing the violin, listening to music, hanging with friends and playing video games

Future major, if chosen: Chemical Engineering with, hopefully, a minor in Criminal Justice


What made you choose Drexel?

Drexel University gave me a sense of belonging when I went on a tour at the beginning of my senior year in high school. I was given a tour for engineering majors. The first thing I noticed was how beautiful the campus was. It has a lot of different trees and plants, there are plenty of places to go whether it be for food or entertainment purposes. During the tour, I noticed how friendly the students and staff were. I believe they did a good job talking about the different opportunities Drexel had to offer including COOP and some clubs relating to engineering. I also have a friend that currently attends Drexel and she said she like the university. These factors made me decide that Drexel is the right place for me.

What made you choose FYES?

I was actually recommended to the FYES. When I was applying to Drexel, I was really stuck between Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. Since Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering are in different schools and the concepts are different, I was recommended to the FYES.

What are the academic and professional benefits of exploring your first year?

The benefits are that you are allowed to take your time to see whether you actually like the major. When you start thinking about looking at a different major, you have the flexibility to do so. You also get the opportunity to create close relationship with former FYES students either the same ideal major as you or different.

What has your experience been like with your advisor?

My experience with Karen as my academic advisor was amazing! I could literally talk to her about anything. I would to her and talk about the different classes I wanted to take in the future quarters, scholarships, being on track for desired majors, and have someone to talk when weeks were rough. Being in constant contact with advisor is key to having a successful college experience in college.

Any memorable classes or instructors?

One of memorable instructors has to be Dr. Rachael Kratzer for PHYS 100. For me, she would make physics a little easier to understand. I would always go to her office hours to discuss the homework and any questions regarding the upcoming exams.

Biggest takeaways from the FYES classes or the whole FYES experience?

My biggest takeaways from the whole FYES experience are that it is okay to not know what you want to do. Also, while you are exploring different majors take some time to have fun and make friends in and outside the FYES program.

What else are you involved in at Drexel? How can students get involved in university groups?

I am a member of the Drexel University American Institute of Chemical Engineers and I am planning on joining the Epsilon Phi Chapter; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.