By Fowzia Aziza, Mia Guzman, and Blendi Musliu
A bike, a hat
A phone, a cat
It’s not the title of a Dr. Seuss book. It’s a list of transitional objects helping UB first-year students navigate the difficult journey into their new life as college students.
Studies have reported that as many as 70% of college students experience homesickness during their first year. Students face challenges associated with academics, finances, and interpersonal relationships. Depression and anxiety have also been identified as major risk factors for college students. There are many strategies and resources that students can use to help them thrive during their transition to college life, but common, everyday objects can help as well.
Enter the transitional object
In English 101, Academic Writing, first-year students are examining the “transitional objects” that provide emotional support as they settle into life at University of Bridgeport. The instructor of the class, Dr. Laist, explains, “Here at UB, we are very mindful of the challenges faced by incoming students. We have developed a learning community model designed to help students get to know one another and become acclimated to the campus. Our first-year writing classes are not only about learning how to write for college, but also using writing as a way of thinking through the big questions that students face at this important point in their lives.”
The “transitional objects” that Dr. Laist’s students are writing about are possessions, devices, mementos, and even animals that anchor them to important aspects of their identities.
For Vedhanth Reddy Jakka, his transitional object is his bike. Vedhanth’s bike is more than just a means of transportation, it’s “like a bridge that connects my past, what’s happening now, and what’s going to happen in the future.” The bike reminds Vedhanth of childhood adventures. It connects him to the people and places in his life and symbolizes his hopes for the future.
Worried about your child’s transition to college? Check out these helpful resources for parents of first-year college students!
Fowzia Aziza with her transitional object — her cell phone.
Fowzia Aziza explains that her phone is the most precious thing in her life now that she has left all her family members in Bangladesh. Her phone serves as a transitional object because it connects with her family. Talking to her loved ones over the phone helps her get relief from stress and makes her feel refreshed.
Mia Guzman with her transitional object — her cat, Lilo.
For Mia Guzman, Lilo, the cat, is more than just a pet. She is family. Mia explains, “Pets are more than just animals. They are a person’s best friend.” Lilo is there for all the ups and downs, especially when Mia needs her the most. When Mia is feeling stressed or anxious, she and her cat love to cuddle, take naps, or even take trips outside of the house. They like to go on relaxing walks together — although Lilo is a cat, she clearly loves the excursions. Lilo has shown Mia how to be a responsible person. She provides a sense of warmth and love and reminds Mia of how much she truly loves animals.
Blendi Musliu with his transitional object — his hat.
Blendi Musliu’s transitional object is a baseball hat. He explains, “The hat is not just a piece of clothing. It is a vessel for memories.” The hat was a gift from Blendi’s dad, which he handed to him right at the airport’s entrance as Blendi left his home country of Kosovo to come to UB. With a heartfelt smile, Blendi’s dad said, “This is a gift from me to help you remember us.” Blendi remembers that moment as if it happened just yesterday. The hat is a simple symbol of his journey and the bond he shares with his dad.
Starting a new life at college can be difficult, but these students are demonstrating the power of special objects to connect them to the values that motivated them to come to University of Bridgeport. Blendi, who is majoring in Computer Science, puts it this way: “Home may be behind, but ahead lies the fascinating adventure of college.”
#UBelong at UB. When you choose UB as your college community, you’ll have the support of UB’s dedicated faculty and our comprehensive support services to help you manage this exciting time of transition in your life.
To learn more about UB’s comprehensive support services and career-focused programs of study, contact us today!
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Fowzia Aziza is a first-year student majoring in Computer Science. She is an international student from Bangladesh.
Mia Guzman is 20 years old and was born and raised in Bridgeport, CT. She is a first-year student here at University of Bridgeport, and her major is undecided. She is currently trying to figure out what she would like to major in.
Blendi Musliu is an 18-year-old hailing from Kosovo. He’s currently in his first year at University of Bridgeport, where he’s diving into the world of Computer Science.