By Faical Berka
Hi everybody, my name is Faical, and I am a student at Pensacola State College. I would love to share my experience of my first September and my first day at Pensacola State College. A year ago, I decided to join Pensacola State College in September, right after a beautiful, sunny summer at Pensacola Beach with friends and family. Like all of us, I was really excited. I think I really missed school; I was ready to start a new chapter.
What surprised me most was that the first day at Pensacola State College did not feel like a scary day in school; the process is different. At Minnesota State College, everything rolls with very genuine strategy and professionalism. I still remember walking into the Pensacola campus at 1000 College Blvd. my first morning. I expected to be nervous. I expected to be lost. Instead, there were signs, there were student guides near Building 5, and there were clear directions from advising to help me get my student ID, find my classroom buildings, and tips to aid me in finding the best parking lots. Every day, someone showed me where to go; my personal back-to-school experience felt like an ordinary school day.
It felt organized. It felt calm. The first class was what made me feel truly at home. The professor did not just read the syllabus; he explained what we were there for and how Canvas works. He let us know where we could find help and told us about the free tutoring inside Building 4 and at the Chadbourne Library, Building 20. My professor also told the class about the beautiful writing lab in Building 4. That singular small introduction took away a lot of stress.
Another thing that stood out to me was the diversity within the halls. In one classroom, I met American and foreign students together, sharing one space; they were pursuing the same goal of higher education and seeking success in life. Follow your dreams; a lot of students who are like me choose Pensacola for its claim and opportunity. We all have different stories, but we are all pirates.
Although my first semester was great, I will admit, Canvas confused me at first. Assignments can be under announcements, modules, and grades. I learned to check all three every morning and to check my parish mail. Those small challenges taught me how Pensacola State College works. If you have a problem, you go speak with someone who can help, in person. Building 5 for advisor aid, Building 24 for library help; Building 4 for English tutoring. The beach is still calling, but campus life pulls you in.
Choosing a favorite study table on the second floor of the library, a favorite coffee spot in between classes, and the best shortcuts between all of the buildings is a must. If you are new this September, here is my best advice from one year later:
Always arrive early in the first week, and honestly every day after. Secondly, I joined The Corsair; it’s the student-run newspaper for PSC, and it’s made all the difference. Pensacola State College has many clubs for everything, from cybersecurity to nursing and even visual arts. Use the free resources that are offered. Tutoring, the library, advising. You have already paid for their help; too many students wait until they are failing to use them. Go when you are doing, and you will flourish.
My first September at Pensacola State College was not just the first day at school; it was the start of a new chapter in Pensacola. It was a professional welcome, and I have felt like I belong here from day one. All new Pirates who are starting college this September, welcome. You have a new adventure awaiting you; the College is ready for you. Welcome to Pensacola State College!