First Year Study Group Leader (+6pts) Michelle Abigail Johnson 2028

 

            Serving as a First-Year Study Group Leader for the Student Success Program has been a rewarding experience on campus. I interviewed for the position last summer and was asked about why I wanted to become a study group leader. As a second-year student at Spelman, I was just in the first year’s shoes. I would be able to relate to them the most compared to other upperclassmen and provide specific and personal advice on how to navigate campus life. 

The Student Success Program pairs freshmen students with leaders in their major. Therefore, I am matched with freshmen majoring in Music and Theatre Performance. This makes it easy to connect with the students, since we share the same academic classes, teachers, clubs, and creative spaces. I hold my study group sessions three times a week. Each session lasts an hour and a half. Each week, we focus on a topic related to college issues, such as time management, self-care, or exploring Atlanta. I also dedicate time to doing homework, preparing for upcoming tests, and having general conversations.

On average, I dedicate around ten hours a week to balancing administrative duties, planning lessons, and conducting sessions with my students. I am truly grateful to have this job, as the study sessions are flexible and fit my schedule. This allows me to complete all other duties in my free time. However, the best part of the job is being able to encourage and support first-year students who are pursuing a similar career path. As I continue to work with my first-year Spelman sisters, I look forward to watching them grow and create new experiences at Spelman.

Michelle Abigail Johnson