How high you soar — or fast you fall — can depend on the success of your freshman year.
More than one out of four Eagles did not make it back to N.C. Central University, according to NCCU's 2009 retention report.
Of 1,236 freshmen, 351, about 28 percent, did not survive their freshman year.
"It is hard to juggle classes when I am still trying to figure out when to read and how to make it through," said Quintavious Coleman, physics freshman.
NCCU has resources to help students succeed.
The University College, for instance, provides assistance to students transitioning to university life.
Still, many students are overwhelmed, feeling like failures when they take that first step off the track.
From deans to graduate students, many people at NCCU know what freshmen are going through because they have traveled the same path.
"I didn't like my freshman year. I got depressed because I got a bad grade," said John Livingston, assistant professor of psychology and director of export outreach.
"My freshman year was terrible because I paid more attention to recreation and not math or biology," said Louis Velez, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs.
Some said they could have changed the outcome of their freshman years if they had made better choices.
"It just comes down to making the right decisions," said Judithe Louis, psychology gradutate student.
"If you don't make the right decisions, you are going to have a bad year."
Though some freshman may think it is impossible to do well their first year, many have beat the odds.
Some experienced students say that freshmen should learn to take the initiative in matters and ask questions when they don't know.
"Be open to the opinions and perspectives of other people," said Gary Brown, assistant dean of students. "Don't squander your opportunity of being in college because it is a privilege to be here."
George T. Huff, coordinator of dimensions of learning, advised students to "Introduce yourself to your professors. Get to know them from day one."
"It would also be wise to identify a mentor right away."
Freshman year should be both fun and memorable. It should be a time to learn, to grow and to become your own person.
Livingston recommended that freshman "be mindful of the shadows they cast."
"You should always remember that what you do today affects your tomorrow," he said.
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