Jasmin's Tiger Journey

 

Hello! My name is Jasmin Alvarado and I am from Dodge City, KS. I am a transfer student from Dodge City Community College and am currently a Junior here at Fort Hays. 

My journey began in May of last year (2022) when I began my search for my apartment. Although it was a struggle, I was able to find an apartment and finally settle in Hays in August of last year. I am not going to lie; it was a struggle. Being so far from home for the first time and not knowing anybody is hard. It was hard adjusting at first but as I started to get into the rhythm of things, I no longer was homesick. I was getting back into my rhythm and finding my way around campus and my schedule. 

I am a first-generation college student in my Hispanic household, and that enough is a big role to take on. I have always been a firm believer in discovering things on my own or asking millions of questions. I have had to develop my journey on my own and I wouldn’t have loved to be anywhere else to do it if it wasn’t Hays America. Hays has grown on me, and I am proud to call it my second home. My second home because not only has Fort Hays given me many opportunities and involvements but it has given me many good memories. From my first tailgate to going to Oktoberfest and meeting new friends. My journey continues as my involvement in many organizations grows as time progresses. Here at Fort Hays State, I am proud to say I am as involved as possible. I am a part of the Honors College, Alpha Kappa Psi, Alpha Gamma Delta, the Hispanic American Leadership Organization, the Society for Human Resource Management, and the National Society of Leadership and Success group. 

I am busy year-round as I am involved in much, as you can see, while also working two jobs. I am proud to say that this is the journey I have made for myself; not only for me but for other first-generation students. We can all do it. It takes time, patience, and eagerness to be the best version of yourself. Fort Hays has given me many opportunities to be as involved as I can. 

Fort Hays has given me my very first experience of what being in a sorority feels like and what it is. Fort Hays has given me new friendships.
Fort Hays has given me my first-ever tailgate experience.
Fort Hays has given me many opportunities and I am nothing but thankful. 

Take as many opportunities as you can get because I promise you won’t regret it one bit. The stress is worth it. Here’s to new experiences and opportunities: ROLL TIGES!

Tips and Tricks for New Tigers

 

Hi future Tigers! I’m Hannah Nimmo and I’m from the great state of Texas. I am majoring in biology/pre-med, I love to play all types of sports, and I'm a Big with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. We are already one quarter of the way through the spring semester and I’ve learned quite a bit in the one semester I’ve attended FHSU. I’d like to take a minute to share some tips and tricks for newcomers.

I recommend getting a 10 or 7-swipe meal plan. You get $500 and $600 dining dollars, respectively. If you live in McMindes, go ahead and get the unlimited swipes plan. Using your dining dollars can be more convenient than walking all the way over to McMindes before or between classes. Plus, if you ever miss a meal you can use your dollars at Tiger Pizza or stock up on snacks at the grab-and-go market in the Memorial Union.

 

Living in Tiger Village is the best. There is always plenty of parking, except when there’s a football game, but in that scenario just park on the street the night before and don’t drive anywhere the day of the football game. Getting packages can be a little difficult, especially during the first couple of weeks of school. Tiger Village packages go to Victor E. Village, but not all delivery drivers know that. Sometimes packages from Tiger Village will get sent to Stadium Place. I used the OCM website to get my dorm bedding but that was a huge hassle. I do not recommend it. Even if you are coming from 5+ hours away, get your bedding and a mattress topper before you come to college.

 

Using Google maps to get to your classes on the first day of school is perfectly fine. Just leave in plenty of time to find your room once you get there. The classroom numbering in Rarick and Tomanek is very confusing so leave at least 20 minutes before your class starts to find your room if it’s in one of those buildings. On that note, don’t schedule your first class of the day in Cunningham. There is not enough time to drive back to the main campus, find a parking spot, and get where you need to go if you have classes close together. (On campus parking when you're in a hurry is a challenge, even with the Honors College parking pass.) 

When looking at classes and professors, always ask Kathay about the Honors classes offered that semester. The professors that teach those classes are always incredible people. If you aren’t taking an Honors course, check out Rate My Professor to find out who best suits you. It's no fun to figure that out the hard way.

Once you get here to campus, come down to the basement of the Forsyth library and hang out in The Cave. The Cave is a lounge for the Honorables. Kathay always has it stocked with snacks and will sometimes bring a delicious cake! Making friends with Kathay and Kevin is really important. They are very important connections to have. If you’re ever bored, swing by Kathay’s office and ask about her cats. That’s always fun. 😸

I hope this helps with some of those questions you might have before you get here. If you're in the Honors College there will always be people around willing to help you get settled in.