LIFT Program with Sami

Transcript

Sami is a double major in Theater Arts and Business from Danville, Indiana. First-generation students like Sami are benefiting from the LIFT Program. LIFT students are paired with mentors who help them develop the kind of research and writing skills that are essential to becoming successful. These students also have access to fully-funded travel experiences. Give us all the details, Sami, take it away.

– Why, thank you, Alex. Hello, everybody. The reason Earlham was my top college choice was the school’s smaller size. Since the school was smaller, I thought that I’d become closer with the faculty and staff at Earlham, and I was right. My sister also goes here, which is a plus. Coming to Earlham, though, I was worried because I am a first-generation college student. I thought that I had to figure out this new world on my own, but thankfully, I was wrong. The LIFT Program at Earlham has helped students like me get a head start at college. They gave me advice on paper writing, gave me resources to work on schoolwork, and I was even lucky enough to go on the Hadrian’s Wall trip. I was able to go to the UK and experience a different culture other than my own. For free! This was a great experience for me because I didn’t think I would be able to travel outside the US for a long time. It made my first year Earlham really enjoyable. Earlham’s LIFT Program makes it their goal to support the education of first-generation college students, giving them resources and supplies to succeed in college, and the trips brings some fun to the college experience and gives new students an opportunity to learn about a world outside their own with peers they trust. With the advice and resources the LIFT Program gave me, even though I’m completing two majors in four years, I’ve been able to start my own club, to be in a band, and to build sets for theater because of what the LIFT Program gave me. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.

– What a story. Sami. We’re impressed by all of the resources and experiences that are available to first-generation students at Earlham. You are a wonderful ambassador for future students at Earlham who are the first in their families to go to college. Thanks again, Sami.