Brian Rivers (’28) of Farmington Hills shares his experience as an incoming first-year journalism student, attending the MSU Ignite summer bridge program and preparing for the transition to college life.
My Journey with Ignite
Growing up, I always wanted to be a Michigan State Spartan. I used to watch all the sports that showed up on TV, and over time that became my ultimate dream. Watching my sister, Sydni Rivers, go here truly inspired me even more. Getting accepted to college is only one step of my journey of being a student. I wanted to connect to others through these next four years, especially those in my college.
With MSU Ignite, it gave me the perfect opportunity to do such. Ignite is a perfect example of how a college bridge program should work. Staying in Owen Hall gave me a great experience of how dorm life will be in the future: having to share a bathroom with one another, adapting to a new lifestyle away from things, different food, and the increase in walking you endure.
Ignite also forced me to branch out and meet new people. With the array of icebreakers and final project you do to end the class, it gives you a chance to learn how to work with others and make strong connections with others. For example, John Gillon, Lauren Spencer, Londyn Sewell, and Jayden Langford all became some of my closest friends through Ignite just by being able to relate with them and being able to spend time with each other.
I was also able to learn about the many campus resources such as CAPS and GSCC. Being able to really view campus was great, too — seeing Grand River, the Library, the Communication Arts and Sciences Building, and the many various buildings around campus overall got me more acclimated to MSU. Ignite also gives you the ability to meet very important students on campus with the panels they have. I was able to meet Tyler Atchinson, who’s the Operations Manager for Impact89FM. Just having the ability to have a conversation with him and find out more about something I’m interested in hopes of a job down the line. The panels really give you an opportunity to learn things from people who’ve been a part of the campus for very long in hopes that you can take their advice to help you in the future.
However, the most important thing to me that truly makes Ignite a great program is the people who organize. Instructor Stanley, Dr. Gaines, and Ms. Jada do an amazing job with the process of running this program as they give the perfect combination of how being a college student will truly work. Also, all the peer leaders such as Sarah Wood, Roshawn Nabors, Harmoniee Scott, Haley Burton, and Lily Cross were also perfect resources through the program to keep spirits up and others happy.
Overall, my experience with Ignite was amazing, everything I’ve learned from the program will only help me as I go through college and I 100% recommend being a part of this if you’re an upcoming first-year student.
By: Brian Rivers