Back
Orientation Cover

Don't Miss Out! Join the the Fearless First Academy

Mount Holyoke Orientation Team - Wednesday, July 8
 Community   New Students   Fearless First Academy 
 
Apply to the Fearless First Academy by July 13! Learn skills and tools necessary to navigate New Student Orientation and your first year at MHC. On a green background is the logo for the academy and a photo of student participants at a round table smiling at the camera.
 
 

Hi, new students!

 

My name is Manu Ribas, and you might recognize me as one of your Summer Orientation Leaders — I’m also a recent alum, Class of 2026! I’ve been chatting with some of you through ZeeMee, Instagram and our Map to MoHome sessions!

 

I’m here today to encourage you to join the Fearless First Academy (FFA) —

you can still register by July 13!

 

I remember the whirlwind of emotions you might be going through — excited, nervous, a little overwhelmed. Especially coming all the way from Brazil, I had no idea what to expect from college! And the summer to-do list sometimes left me with more questions.

 

If you're also staring at the summer to-do list and you're not sure where to start, just email the Orientation Team! We'd love to chat and help you out. And then, seriously, sign up for the Fearless First Academy!

 

As an alum of the Fearless First Academy, a member of the First-Gen Low-Income Partnership (FLIP), an Orientation Leader and now an MHC alum, I can honestly say that the FFA truly helped me feel connected and supported even before Orientation officially began.

 

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about FFA or anything at all before you arrive! Myself, the Orientation Team and the First Gen Network are all here to support you, to talk through anything that's on your mind and we're so looking forward to meeting you!

 

Hugs,

 

Manu Ribas ’26

Summer Orientation Leader

 

Why I loved the Fearless First Academy (And why I think you will, too)

  • Instant community: Folks at the FFA are eager to connect and form long-lasting friendships! I still talk to pretty much everyone in my cohort because we had so much fun together!

     

  • Head start: The early introduction to resources helps you feel more ready for New Student Orientation and to tackle the challenges of college life when the semester officially starts!

     

  • Academic preparedness: MHC academics can be challenging, no doubt, but the FFA gives you the resources and knowledge to help you succeed in the classroom.

 

What does the Fearless First Academy look like?

 

  • Virtual summer programming focuses on making sure you have what you need to start college at Mount Holyoke.

     

  • Once you get to campus for New Student Orientation, you will start meeting other Fearless Firsties, exploring and learning more about campus and resources.

     

  • Topics tackle impostor syndrome, academic readiness and balancing all aspects of being a college student.

     

  • You'll also get an early introduction to the countless resources available to all First-Generation Low-Income (FGLI) students on campus and an early look into your support network here, the First Gen Network!

 

Even if you can't join the Fearless First Academy...

You’ll still have access to all the resources and programming available to all FGLI students during the academic year, such as the First-Gen Network, Fearless First Resource Center, our student organization FLIP, biweekly check-ins and more!