Post by: Tara Bray

As a high school student, the thought of college always seemed overwhelming. I was scared to leave my home, my friends, and everything that was familiar to me in my life. I didn’t know if I would make the transition to college smoothly, if I would succeed, or crash and burn. Little did I know at the time, by applying for the A&S Wired Residential community I was taking a step that would help me succeed during my first year at UK. Being in Wired provided me with the first step in making friends and creating a familiar environment, which are two crucial aspects in succeeding during your freshman year. Not only has Wired offered me opportunities for leadership development, such as becoming a peer mentor in the program, but it has also allowed me to form bonds with both faculty and my peers that might not have happened.

As a Wired student, you have the opportunity to take your writing class, which is a university requirement, in a section with other Wired students, which was one of my smallest courses. My writing professor was Dr. Beth Connors-Manke, who became a mentor to me and a person who I look up to, not only as an authority figure, but also as a friend. This class also led me to meet other Wired students who I still hang out with.

                Ultimately, the Wired community helped me feel like I belonged on UK’s campus, and gave me opportunities that have allowed me to gain leadership experience, helping to further confirm my intended career path in education. My experience in this program provided me with tools, like networking and leadership opportunities, that helped to make my first year a great one.