FAMU Freshmen Enlighten EGHS Graduating Seniors - March 22, 2016

Florida A&M students visited East Gadsden High School graduating seniors to conduct a panel discussion on the topic: “Things I Wish I Would’ve Known Before I Came To College.”  The FAMU students are part of a program called, First Year Experience.  A key member of the program is East Gadsden graduate, Onyx Franklin; FAMU's Freshman Class President.  Onyx and other members of First Year Experience spoke to East Gadsden students about time management, priorities, expenses, scholarships, self-motivation, humbleness, choosing new friends wisely, partying, class attendance, internships, and much more.  It was apparent that East Gadsden students were enamored by the First Year Experience team based on their attentiveness.  The FAMU visitors presented themselves in a mature manner with regards to their dress and demeanor, but perhaps what made them most appealing is that they were able to relate to their audience.  They spoke using youthful idioms when describing sophisticated subject matter.  Moreover, Onyx was not the only speaker with Gadsden County roots.  East Gadsden students welcomed their peer's perspective and openly received the pertinent topic of education and responsibility.  The panel discussion was followed by a meet-and-greet session, giving students an opportunity to ask questions in a one-on-one fashion.

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The First Year Experience program is led by Lawrence D. Brown - Academic Success.  Other attendees, including their year and major are as follows:

Onyx Franklin - Freshman - Broadcast Journalism and Pre-Physical Therapy - FAMU Freshman Class President
Rose Alexander - Freshman - Healthcare Management - Founder of Initiative, "Things I Wish I Would’ve Known Before I Came To College”
Taylor Young - Freshman - Broadcast Journalism
Roderick Wilkins - Freshman - Information Technology
Brianna Harmon - Sophomore - Broadcast Journalism
Janay Green - Freshman - Pre-Nursing
Jamal Collins - Freshman - Environmental Science