"The Summer Institute was a great opportunity, which I was fortunate to have experienced. The people I met during the summer program continue to be one of my sources of support as a minority student at Ithaca College. Even after two years, the friendships that I made during the summer program continue to grow and my current best friends were made during the summer program. Also the program initiated a way of thinking that pushed everybody to develop their own path of leadership by providing us with experience in team building and companionship. The transition into college was relatively easy and the college felt more like home. An individual, who hasn't experienced the summer program, might not expect the friendships made to be precious and genuine but having experienced the summer program I can testify that the friendships that are made, last a lifetime. Honestly, it is an opportunity that you cannot pass up."
"My summer experience was one I will never forget. At first, I was nervous because I was being housed with a bunch of strangers. I began to question everything. What would they think of me? Will they be friendly? My questions were quickly answered and my nervousness subsided, as I came to see the “complete strangers,” as my family. The people I met through the Summer Institute are the people I hang out with during the school year. They are also the people I keep close and dear to my heart. The friends I made during the program have helped me through some stressful times during my first year of college, proving themselves to be true friends. After attending the summer program I felt well prepared to enter my first year of college. I even have well established friendships as I start my long journey to adulthood and independence."
"I attended the Summer Institute the summer before my first year at Ithaca College. I know I would have been totally lost my freshmen year if there was no summer program. The summer program doesn’t just give you a taste of “college on-campus life”; it gives you a chance to physically experience every aspect of being an Ithaca College student including dorm and school life. The program gives you a head start because it makes you more prepared than any other freshmen at IC. Other freshmen may still need time to get adjusted to the college life but you can skip that step and get straight into your study. The Summer Institute, what a wonderful program for students!"
"I was nervous when I arrived to the Ithaca College for freshmen Orientation. During Orientation, I was overwhelmed with the sudden independence and responsibility that was given to me. More so, new people had already established friendships and I felt left out so I broke down. I’ll admit it, I cried. I wanted to leave the school. However, I was convinced to give the program a chance. Sue Chaffee assured me that it would be different from Orientation. At the program, I met other people who were nice, I engaged in some conversation and then at free time, went to the Commons and just chilled. Taking classes, working on a project, playing volleyball and interacting with other students made me feel that I could handle any task given to me. The summer program was an intimate program that really helped me in many ways both academically and socially. Now that I look back, I feel tremendously stupid for not wanting to stay. Without the program I would not have met great people, not just fellow students but faculty and staff. I enjoyed my experience in the Summer Institute and I am glad I stayed to give it a chance."
"Not to sound cliché but being a part of the Summer Institute has changed my life. I was able to meet and interact with like minded people in a safe and friendly environment and engage in discussions that challenged and strengthen my values. The program was a great learning experience because it gave me the opportunity to explore many new recreational activities such as rope courses, volley ball and swimming. I was also exposed to college level sociology courses, which placed me at an advantage to other incoming Sociology majors. Another advantage I gained was meeting members of Ithaca College's faculty and administration, who continue to serve as references whenever I apply for jobs and internships. Working as a Peer Counselor has also boosted my work ethic as it has strengthened my abilities to work in a fast pace, sometimes demanding environment. I would definitely recommend the summer program to anyone whose drive pushes them to run instead to walk to achieve a goal. There is no amount of money or time that can parallel what is gained when a student experiences the summer program."
