The School of Philosophy and Letters welcomes 200 new students
With the nerves and excitement of the first day at the University, 200 people have started their programs of study in the School of Philosophy and Letters. Of these, 140 are enrolled in single and double Degrees Degrees and 60 will study at framework at International Foundation Program.
At the classroom Magna of the Central Building they have participated in a welcome workshop to meet those who will be their colleagues during the coming years and their professors. The meeting was chaired by the dean of the School, Julia Pavón, who encouraged them to let themselves be accompanied by good people in this new stage they are starting: "One of the keys for the University to pass through you is to have a good company, both colleagues and teachers, who will awaken you and instill in you concerns that will last forever". He also alluded to intangible companies, "such as those illusions and knowledge that you will acquire in books. Make the most of them and know how to choose good traveling companions.
Dolores López, Vice-Dean of Students, then took the floor. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of work, study, enriching conversations and the development of a critical spirit. "You are beginning some exciting and decisive years, because in the passage through the University there is a deep academic, staff and professional growth". He also added that "in addition to the knowledge you will acquire, you will forge the attitude you will have in life, to understand the world and to act, contribute and make a better world".
For his part, Cristhian Mestre, director of development of the School, has approached them about the opportunities in Philosophy and Letters. As he explained, the School offers many opportunities beyond the academic field: activities that we do to make the School known to future students, thanks to which many of the new students are here today and in which they can now collaborate; going to exchange; and participating in internships. "These opportunities are the ones that connect with the idea that there is time to study but also to do everything else". "For you to really enjoy all these opportunities and for them to work out, you will have to study, read, write and think," he added.
Ángeles García de la Borbolla, coordinator of the 1st year of Degree in History, shared with the new students some of the keys to a successful start to university life. First of all, she encouraged them that this stage should be marked by enthusiasm: "For 1st year students everything is new: their programs of study, their classmates, their routines, the city... All this novelty generates enthusiasm, an engine that drives and invites you to continue discovering new things". As with any engine, he continued, "it has to be fed with attitudes that allow you to maintain that initial enthusiasm and move forward correctly in the university world: let yourself be guided, let yourself be taught and let yourself be advised". Secondly, he gave them two fundamental recommendations: "attend to class with all your senses awake and to study and make an effort from the first days, with a correct management of time, which is fundamental". He also reminded them of other important issues, such as going to their mentor or enriching themselves with reading.
The workshop ended with a few words from Almudena Uclés, 4th year student of Philosophy and Law and student delegate of the School. Agreeing with the other speakers, she insisted on the importance of studying; of visiting mentor; of regularly consulting tools such as ADI or the mail; of reading the bulletin of the School and of the students of the University; and of relying on Atenea, a program that puts 1st year students in contact with veteran students to orient themselves in different questions. Before concluding his speech, he encouraged them to participate in the many activities organized at the University and in the specific events of School, such as the patron saint Day or the Christmas celebration.
Finally, the new students had the opportunity to share a coffee with those who will be their classmates for the next few years and with their teachers.
Welcome to the School of Philosophy and Letters!
