The contribution that the First Year Experience (FYE) programme has made to my overall development is immeasurable. Being involved in this programme has not only helped me as a first year student but also a commuting student. I felt welcomed and more a part of the university. It has given me the opportunity to benefit from some of the offerings made available by the university outside of my academic discipline.

Through this program, I visited Rib Cage for the first time and Grand Lido Braco for a day pass(that was an experience). I lived the life on that day. We did community service at beaches and a school. We also learnt more about UWI artifacts through this program. The students that weren’t a part of this program in this year are wishing for a second year experience because of the wonderful benefits we told them we got from FYE.

The experience which stood out most for me was our visit to the Glenhope Girl’s home. I was able to help in providing clothes for the girls, painting their rooms and also served a source of encouragement. I’ve always relished the idea of helping others in need and the FYE programme afforded me the opportunity to do just that.     

I think that the FYE Programme has taught me to be a more focused and appreciative individual.  Our activities involved a lot of outreach which made me aware of the responsibility that we have as individuals, who may be better off than others, to give back to society. When we visited children's homes the response that we got from the wards was overwhelming.

Overall, the FYE Programme had a great impact on my development as a person. It has made me more confident, more aware, allowed me to give back to the community through outreach and has introduced me to many new people. My only regret is that the program had to come to an end for me since it is only for first year students.