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Michelle Ampofo

First-Year Exploratory Studies Student

female student standing at colorful wall, wearing glasses and a suit

Hometown: Cheltenham, Pennsylvania

Hobbies: Traveling, screenwriting, listening to music and trying new foods

Future major, if chosen: Management and Information Systems with a dual major in Business Analytics

What made you choose Drexel?

Drexel offered so many programs and opportunities that most other schools I was accepted to did not offer. I really appreciate the many variety clubs and communities offered here at Drexel. I also loved how Drexel is in the city, so there’s always something to do and new things to try!

What made you choose First- Year Exploratory Studies (FYES)?

I chose First-Year Exploratory Studies because I knew Drexel had so many programs that appealed to my many interests, and if I had gone straight into a major I feel that I would always feel like I’d be missing out, or always regret not trying out other courses before committing to a major with a sound mind.

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

During my first year, I was able to build a diverse network and  meet so many professionals from all types of backgrounds. Talking to peers who had similar interests, but different aspirations really gave me perspective on where I saw myself. The connections that I have made throughout my time at FYES have allowed me to excel academically and socially and will forever be grateful as a result.

What has your experience been like with your advisor?

The advisors at Goodwin are always there when you need them. No matter how last minute I thought it was or how unattainable the task might be, they somehow always managed to help me with my dilemmas. The best part about Goodwin advising is, if you advisor is busy there’s always another advisor that is more than willing to meet and help you in the meantime.

What are your most memorable classes or instructors?

One of my favorite classes was actually taught by one of my favorite staff members in the FYES program Ms. Marna Mozeff. During one session, Ms. Mozeff taught a lesson about "Multipotentialites," which are people with many interests and creative pursuits. She dedicated the whole class to explaining that having more than one passion is normal and that it is also possible to incorporate all of them into your career if you put in the effort and time. For so long I felt worried because I had so many interests I wanted to fit into future career and this day showed me that the only one preventing me from creating this career path was me! Once I got out of my own head, put in the work, and started seeing results, I have never looked back.

What are your biggest takeaways from the FYES classes or the whole FYES experience?

One of the biggest takeaways I got from FYES is that it is never too early or too late to pursue what you really love. Never hold back from trying new things or secret passions you have. If you need it, there is always someone out there that wants to help you, that is rooting for you and doesn't want anything more than to see you thrive.

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

I am currently involved in Drexel Women in Business club where I am the events coordinator for the 2019-2020 school year. I will also be joining LeBow’s Build Relationships in Diverse Group Experiences (BRIDGE) program, which is for minority students pursuing business here at Drexel. I am also a part of the Drexel Navigators mentor program as well as the Drexel African Student Association (DASA) and this summer, I am also going to be a research intern at the Drexel ExCITe Center.

My advice for getting involved is to honestly just attend events that sound interesting to you, even if you’re the only one you know going—just go and talk to people and put yourself out there. You’ll be surprised at how far it’ll take you and the meaningful connections you make along the way because of it. If you don’t know where to find events, reach out to your RA, sign up for a newsletter at the club fairs in the beginning of the year or, go on DragonLink to find events and groups. You’d be surprised at the many events that take place over the course of the year.