| Get to Know a SAM 136 Instructor |
Frances Crawford Fennessy 
1. How long have you been at SHSU?
I have been associated with SHSU for over 5 years. I was an undergraduate in 2002, working as a writing center tutor. In 2004, I became a graduate student, working as a teaching and research assistant for the English department. In 2006, I became an adjunct for the English department. I became the Assistant Director of the SHSU Writing Center in the fall of 2007.
2. Where did you go to college?
I earned an AS at Blinn College, in Bryan, Texas in 2002. This degree was in Business. At this time I also earned an AA at Blinn College in English. In 2004, I earned a BA in English from SHSU. In 2006, I earned a MA in English from SHSU.
3. A little bit about yourself?
It took me a long time to take education seriously. Like most high school graduates, I was motivated by money and opportunity. Thus, I began my first career after I graduated from a technical training school. I was an executive secretary for almost ten years before I decided to return to the university and earn a degree. Now my husband and two daughters attend classes here at the university. We are a family who embraces education.
4. What helped you get through your first year of college?
My first year of college was easy because I was personally driven. I did not want to be a secretary any longer, and I was willing to become a serious student in an effort to break out of that mold.
5. How did high school differ from college for you, and how do you perceive it differs for students now?
Although I was a very good student, I went to high school to see my friends. It was all about socializing for me. College was much different. I attended college and met new friends who were also very driven to succeed. The college experience was more about succeeding.
I am not convinced that college is much different for students today than it was when I attended. Students still go to high school for their peers and socializing. The only difference I can seriously acknowledge is that students today come to college expecting to be here to simply socialize. Those students who do not shift over to being motivated to succeed will simply fail. While the college experience does include an opportunity to socialize, the opportunity is just a bonus that students who are successful will get to enjoy.
6. How do you think SAM 136 benefits first-year students?
SAM 136 will benefit first-year students by providing them with an opportunity to learn survival skills that will help them shift from socializing to succeeding. SAM 136 teaches students how to succeed, and the class also fosters opportunities to build a new social circle to foster this success.
7. Do you have any general advice or words of wisdom for first-year students?
First-year students just need to be resilient. Plan your days so that you can stay on top of your work. Read your texts and believe the instructor when he sets a deadline for a particular assignment. Get help! The college experience does not have to be a lonely one.
Sophia Polk 
1. How long have you been at SHSU?
I considered myself a student of Sam Houston State University long before I considered attending this great institution. The reason being is because when my mother was a student (Class of ’69) at Sam Houston State University she used to bring me to school with her. So, I’d go to class with her and my God parents. Officially, I attended SHSU from Summer I 1987 until Summer II 1991 graduating on August 19, 1991. I returned to begin a new career in 1996 and have worked in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions ever since.
2.
Where did you go to college?
Alcorn State University (no degree received)
Sam Houston State University (Class of 1991) – Bachelor of Fine Arts (Radio-Television-Film)
Prairie View A&M University (Class of 2001) – Master of Arts (Counseling)
3.
A little bit about yourself?
I don’t claim to be a military brat, but I did live on the Whiteman Air Force in Knob Noster (what a funny name, won’t you agree), Missouri from the 1st until the 5th grade. My mother and I lived in Moberly, Eldon and St. Louis, Missouri, and I graduated from Hazelwood Central High School in Florissant. At this time I am single and don’t have any children, but have a wonderful 86 year old grandmother I’m privileged to care for. Interests include traveling (Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls are my dream destinations), cooking, attending my new church, Fellowship of Huntsville Church, and Bible Study Fellowship.
4.
What helped you get through your first year of college?
My mom was that one thing that helped me get through my first year and all years of college. When I was a senior in high school and was accepted into college, it wasn’t after a long search of colleges. It was because I thought going to college was the right thing to do. While in school my mother recognized my struggles, but constantly gave me the reassurance and encouragement I needed to earn a college degree.
5. How did high school differ from college for you, and how do you perceive it differs for students now?
I found that college was more demanding than high school. In high school I could get by and earn a passing grade, but when I entered college I soon learned that I was expected to produce quality work. The most memorable experience came when I tried out for the band at Alcorn State University. In high school I played the flute, and thought I was pretty good. Well, I tried out for Alcorn’s band and was told I played like I had just picked up the instrument – rude awakening, to say the least.
I feel entering freshmen have just as many, if not more, educational demands upon their enrollment. On the other hand, I’ve observed that students of today have more hands-on opportunities to experiment with different majors and better opportunities of working close with their professors.
6.
How do you think SAM 136 benefits first-year students?
If SAM 136 or a course similar had been offered when I was a first-year student, I would have been the first to enroll. The number one benefit of SAM 136 is the instructors. We are a group of individuals who are able to offer first-hand knowledge of obstacles and successes of being a first-year student. In my class I try to offer my students a realistic view of “Ms. Sophia’s what-not-to-do” in order to succeed in college. I also feel students are able to form stronger bonds with their fellow classmates because of the group work and outside activities offered in this class.
7.
Do you have any general advice or words of wisdom for first-year students?
So often I have seen students come in with a know-it-all attitude, so I feel the old saying “pride goes before fault” especially pertains to these students. In this life it is sometimes best to be humble and accept help, advice and encouragement from those who have your best interests at heart. I think a lot of students miss receiving valuable information because of not knowing what to ask. Unfortunately, I think students accept only what is being told to them and don’t always use their critical thinking skills to get additional information.
Nancy Ilfrey 
1. How long have you been at SHSU?
I've been at SHSU for 2 years and 7 months.
2. Where did you go to college?
I attended and graduated from Stephen F. Austin with a Bachelors in Speech Pathology and a Masters in Education.
3. A little bit about yourself?
I live in The Woodlands with my wonderful husband and 3 dogs. We are having
our fist child in June.
4. What helped you get through your first year of college?
Time management! I took difficult classes and worked 20-30 hours a week. It
wasn't easy, but I had to be disciplined.
5. How did high school differ from college for you, and how do you perceive it differs for students now?
I actually had to study, and there were more demands on my time in college
than in high school.
I think the difference now is even greater, not just with academics, but
socially as well.
6. How do you think SAM 136/First-Year Experience programs benefit first-year students?
First-Year Experience programs benefit students by showing them that they are
not alone in the adjustment they are facing during their first year of college. The tools learned in these classes teach skills that will help them in the classroom
and in their other activities.
7. Do you have any general advice or words of wisdom for first-year students?
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Remember that your instructors started out
as freshmen at their schools and went through the same things you are going through now. Set goals for yourself and work toward those goals every day.
John Jordan 
1. How long have you been at SHSU?
School: Fall 1999-Present
Work: Spring 2000-Present
2. Where did you go to college?
I went to SHSU and I have a B.A. in Philosophy, an M.A. in History, and I’m currently working on an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.
3. A little bit about yourself?
I grew up in Huntsville, and I stayed because of family. I met my lovely wife on campus in one of our philosophy courses. We have two kids: a fifteen year old longhair alley cat, Felix, and a 1 year old miniature schnauzer, Otto.
4. What helped you get through your first year of college?
Talking to my professors and making time to study despite working full-time.
5. How did high school differ from college for you, and how do you perceive it differs for students now?
I wasn’t tested as much during high school as current students are being tested. As such, I had the opportunity to actually learn some things instead of learning how to take a test.
6. How do you think SAM 136/Freshman Learning Communities benefit first-year students?
Many students currently don’t have a realistic picture of what college is all about. They see freedom and a time away from mom and dad to make their own decisions. Unfortunately, they have also been told that college is the only way to survive in this world. None of them are prepared for the amount of time required to study or the process of critical thinking. They’ve never been forced to do either.
7. Do you have any general advice or words of wisdom for first-year students?
Don’t procrastinate and don’t work 60 hours a week. You still need to have some fun, and school is a tough job as it is.
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This year is the 87th Annual Tree of Light ceremony. Every year since 1920, students, faculty, and staff have gathered to brighten our campus and kick off the holiday season. The ceremony includes the lighting of a tree, decorated with beautiful lights and ornaments made by student organizations, hot chocolate, and some holiday singing. This is also a great chance to give back to the community by bringing canned goods to be donated to the less fortunate. The ceremony will be Tuesday, November 27th at 6 p.m. Just look for the big tree on campus! Contact Student Activities for more information: 936-294-3861. 
People keep telling me I need to get advised, but what’s the big deal? There are so many reasons to make sure to be advised, and be advised EARLY. The number one reason is to avoid those long lines at the SAM Center right before spring registration opens. Also, all freshmen must get advised in order to register for the upcoming semester. The earlier you get advised, the earlier you can register and get the classes and class times you really want. Some classes have limited seats or are only offered certain semesters, so you don't want to have to wait until after early registration to get advised. 
