My experience with the Summer Bridge Program, I’d tell students that having the chance to be on campus early was an incredible opportunity. It gave me a head start in so many ways, learning how to get around, understanding building acronyms, and just feeling more confident navigating the whole environment. That early exposure made it easier to connect with others, help fellow students who were still figuring things out, and even discover the best study spots on campus. On top of that, learning about metacognition during the program really helped me prepare academically. It gave me insight into how I learn best, especially when it came to math, and made me more aware of how to approach studying in college.
When someone asks how the program helped support my academic preparedness for Michigan Tech. I always bring up the metacognition course. It wasn’t just about academics, it was about learning how to learn. We explored new study strategies and took time to reflect on our individual learning styles, which helped me shift my approach. What made it even more meaningful was that the lectures often tied into real-life situations, and everyone brought different experiences to the table. That created a real sense of community.
Math had always been one of my biggest academic challenges, but the three-week refresher course before the semester started made a huge difference. Lincoln, one of the former peer mentors, had a way of explaining things that really clicked for me. That boost in confidence actually helped me turn around and support others who were struggling too. In helping them, I was reinforcing my own understanding and that kind of peer support made the learning environment even stronger.
The advice I would give to new Michigan Tech students participating in the Summer Bridge Program, I’d say: be open. Be open to new people, different experiences, and unexpected conversations. If you meet someone interesting or connect with someone new, don’t let the moment past, follow up, build that connection. That openness led to some of my most meaningful friendships.
Also, since I was the only one in my family who went far from home for college (my sisters stayed much closer), the program pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. That said, one thing I wish I had known before starting was just how much I’d miss home. I definitely took it for granted. The time between the start of the semester and Thanksgiving felt endless at times, I was so homesick. So, my other piece of advice is: appreciate the little things, your family, your friends, the comfort of home-cooked meals, while you have them. But also embrace the freedom that comes with this new chapter. It’s a time for growth, learning, and a lot of fun if you let yourself enjoy it.
When someone’s thinking about joining the Summer Bridge Program and wants to know the benefits, I always talk about the strong sense of community. Because the cohort is small, it’s easy to form real, lasting connections. We’d hang out in Wadsworth all the time, playing games, talking, just enjoying being around each other. Since I was missing home, I started cooking some of the meals that reminded me of my mom’s cooking. The smell would drift down the hall, and pretty soon people would pop in, asking, “What’s that smell?” I’d put on music, bring out my speaker, and suddenly there’d be a whole group gathered around while I made quesadillas.
That kind of community-building wasn’t just fun, it was powerful. It helped ease the homesickness and made campus feel more like home. And honestly, it helped all of us grow—not just academically, but personally. The Summer Bridge Program wasn’t just a head start for college; it was the beginning of something much bigger. I truly believe it set the foundation for my success at Michigan Tech.