“I don’t believe I have what it takes to get a college education.” “I long to be with my family and friends.” “I am feeling conflicted between continuing my education and helping out my family.” “I often feel misunderstood by faculty and classmates.” “As a person of color, I often feel out of place on a majority campus.” “This is too tiring. I work two jobs; plus I go to school full-time”

These and many other statements reflect legitimate concerns of many students of color, particularly Latin@s, as they attempt to successfully transition to college life. A transition—i.e., the passing from one stage to another—can be both unsettling and rewarding. Most college students enjoy learning, making new friends, visiting new places, growing intellectually, personally and spiritually, and look forward to attending college—a decision that may involve all of the above.

However, several weeks into a college career and the excitement felt during the first few weeks of the academic year can be eclipsed by less enjoyable or just painful experiences. Facing the contradictions between two cultures while enduring identity changes as one steps into a college campus can lead to feeling unprepared, isolated and lonely, longing to be home (or just someplace else), feelings of self-doubt, experiencing a sense of alienation from your family and the things that remind you of your culture, or feeling insulted and violated by derogatory comments or jokes.

As students of color in a predominantly White institution, Latino students’ personal and academic experiences diverge from those of their counterparts, White students. And while college life can be at times difficult, there are ways to enhance its experience.

Here is a list of helpful tips to help you make a successful transition and maintain a sense of constancy in the middle of change:

Just remember the vowels…

Advance the Life of Others: Become involved in at least one student-,
academic-, social-, religious-, or community-based organization. Apart from helping you feel connected, this experience is likely to enhance both your life and the lives of others. For a list of Latino Organizations check ¿Que Pasa, OSU?’s website (http://www.service.ohio-state.edu/students/quepasa/).

Establish Affirming Relationships: Individuals that value and exercise respect and honesty tend to form affirming relationships, where differences as well as similarities are embraced.

Identify Previous Successes: Though you may feel overwhelmed and believe there is no solution to a problem, more than likely you have already succeeded in facing similar concerns in the past. Identify a previous challenging transition (e.g., starting a new job or relocating) and the coping skills you implemented to successfully overcome this event. Once you have identified these skills, apply them to find a solution to your current concern.

Obey your thirst: That’s a relevant slogan for a popular soft drink. The idea is to pay careful attention to your social, emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, and psychological needs and engage in activities aimed at addressing these needs. For example, if you’re feeling isolated and lonely, talk to a supportive friend, family, faculty, or staff member. If you’re feeling swamped by academic tasks, discuss you concerns with a faculty or a tutor.

Utilize Campus Resources: A first step to reaching out to others may involve identifying a potential resource. The Ohio State University’s Student Resource Guide website lists numerous on- and off-campus student resources. From Counseling and Consultation Services (this writer’s home at work is a safe place to talk about any concerns that may be troubling you) to the latest exhibition at the Wexner Center for the Arts, just a fine place to kick back with friends, go to: http://studentaffairs.osu.edu/resourceguide.asp

For some student perspectives on adaptation, See Adapting to Campus Drive