For each student that attends FGCU, there is something different that intrigued them and impacted their decision to enroll in this university. For many, that interest is started or furthered by participating in a campus tour or attending the University’s Eagle Expo and/or Say Yes to the Nest outreach programs.
Both of these programs are designed for prospective students and incoming freshmen to experience a normal day on campus at FGCU, provide information about specific programs of interest, and ultimately come to see themselves spending the next four years here.
In addition, Eagle Expo presents an opportunity for those unfamiliar with the campus or the University itself to come to see for themselves what makes FGCU special and all the opportunities and benefits it offers for students. Because FGCU is a smaller university, it is lesser known which can cause many people to overlook it as a choice. However, getting to be on campus and experiencing it can lead to changed minds and a comfortable atmosphere that could feel better than any large college.
Stepping back onto campus for this year’s Eagle Expo brought back memories of when I participated in Eagle Expo just one short year ago. I told my parents that it felt like yesterday when we did this ourselves, because everything felt so familiar. Being in the center of the Student Services Plaza surrounded by welcoming faces in tents, food and photo opportunities was a memorable experience of my first impression of the university which increased my sense of belonging.
While Eagle Expo is for those getting started with the college application process and discovering the colleges that feel right for them, Say Yes to the Nest is for already admitted students to determine if FGCU still feels right for them and the next steps to take if so.
Though I attended both Eagle Expo and Say Yes to the Nest, the latter was more important for me in deciding where to spend the next four years of my life. To me, Say Yes to the Nest felt more personal. I was separated into breakout sessions based on my declared major and the programs I was interested in. Because of this, I was able to find out more about the Journalism program and specific concentrations and minors associated with the degree that could be helpful. I also learned more about the honors college that I was hoping to be accepted to at that time and now am a member of.
Anytime I am asked why I chose FGCU, I always tell people two things: I loved the environment such as the nature and views, but also FGCU really helped me determine and solidify what I wanted to do in life through Say Yes to the Nest. It was through the information that the breakout sessions provided for me that I decided I wanted to pursue a concentration in Public Relations and gave me a clear path with what I could do with a Journalism degree.
Eagle Expo and Say Yes to the Nest can be useful for incoming students and are important in providing the perspective of an FGCU eagle in hopes they will one day join the eagle family!
