Minority Program counsels freshmen

and Tammy Polonsky Designed to make the transition to college easier, "Thriving at Penn: Perspectives of Students of Color" gave minority freshmen a chance to hear from upperclass students on what life is like for minorities at the University. College senior and United Minorities Council chairperson Liz Melendez served as the keynote speaker at last night's program, which was sponsored by the Office of Academic Support Services. As part of the program, Melendez said freshmen are paired with upperclass mentors who provide support throughout the academic year. "Coming to Penn can be a culture shock for minority students," Melendez said. "They often come from places where they are not a minority or in the extreme minority. This meeting gave them a chance to find people to talk to." Because freshman year is such an adjustment, program coordinator Sharon Smith said she wanted to give minority freshmen a chance to speak with students with similar backgrounds. College freshman Juanita Allen called the program a success. "I found the program to be very helpful," Allen said. "I met people who have already experienced what I am going through." College junior Onyx Finney, who serves as a program mentor, said she believes the program is vital because it allows the freshmen to have a more realistic outlook on their first year at the University. "I think it is very important for freshmen minorities to meet upperclassmen minorities," Finney said. "Students in general have high expectations of Penn. I do not want minorities to see those expectations not realized." Finney said the mentors also gave their input on how to deal with racism. "It is important for [the freshmen] not to let racism dictate their lives," Finney said. "They don't have to put up with that." She also said that one of the key aims of the program was to show the students the variety of services available to them -- including tutoring assistance. Finney added she felt the students must understand how important the first year is academically because "it sets the foundation for their GPAs." But for Allen, she said she found the encouragement from mentors to get involved outside the classroom extremely useful. "I feel that getting involved is not only something to do, but I feel it is something to broaden your social experiences," Allen said. Allen added that the mentors told the group of freshmen how graduates recall their social lives more fondly than any other aspect of University life.